
Book A w *\ \\ "b . 



3*trt*fotr 



OF THE 

REV. JESSE LEE. 



WITH 



EXTRACTS 



FROM HIS 



JOURNALS. 



BY MINTON THRIFT. 



Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life." 

2 Tim. ri. 12. 



NEW-YORK: 

PUBLISHED BY N. BANGS AND T. MASON, FOR THE 
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 



' 



Myers § Smith, Printers, 
1823. 



|5" 






Southern District of New-York, ss, 

(p^)T>E IT REMEMBERED, that on the fourteenth day of Fe~ 
(^w) .13 bruary, in the forty-seventh year of the Independence of 
the United States of America, N. Bangs and T. Mason, of the said 
District, have deposited in this office the title of a book, the right 
whereof they claim as proprietors, in the words following, to wit : 

" Memoir of the Rev. Jesse Lee, with Extracts from his Journal. 
By Minton Thrift. * Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eter- 
nal life.' 1 Tim. vi. 12. ' 

In conformity to the act of Congress of the United States, entitled 
" An act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of 
maps, charts, and books, to the authors and proprietors of such co- 
pies, during the times therein mentioned;" and also, to the act, enti- 
tled " An act supplementary to an act, entitled *• An act for the en- 
couragement of learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts, and 
books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies, during the times 
therein mentioned, and extending the benefits thereof to the arts of 
designing, engraving, and etching, historical and other prints." 

JAMES DILL, 
Clerk of the Southern District of New-York. 



• 



d£ >,3d3H% 



PREFACE. 



VOLUMES of Biography of late have flowed upon 
the public, so that Lord Bacon's complaint, as to the 
deficiency in the biographical department of literature 
in his day, is by no means applicable to the present 
times. Indeed frequent complaints are now made of 
the great number of books continually emitted from 
the press, entitled Memoirs, Journals, Travels, Tours, 
Experiences, Sketches, &c. These complaints, how- 
ever, more frequently proceed from a certain fas- 
tidiousness of disposition than from any real or solid 
objections against the matter or method of those pub- 
lications. To please all would require super-human 
abilities. 

The Compiler of the following sheets, without ever 
feeling a wish to have his name affixed to the title- 
page of a book, has, from very different motives to 
that of ambition, or an expectation of worldly emolu- 
ments, been induced to make an attempt at writing 
the Memoir of the Rev. Jesse Lee. The trust con- 
fided to him by his brethren he has endeavoured to 
fulfil, to the best of his abilities. 



IV PREFACE. 

That there are many imperfections cleaving to the 
performance, he will not attempt to deny; but he 
trusts that the candid reader will throw a veil over 
those faults which may be presented, and endeavour 
to profit by the excellencies, if any, which it may 
possess. 

Where the subject of this Memoir was personally 
known, the Compiler trusts that this work will be read 
with interest. For it cannot be supposed that Jesse 
Lee will soon be forgotten by the thousands who have 
been benefitted by his labours. A remembrance of 
his successful efforts among them, will doubtless cause 
them to pay some respect to this simple monument 
raised to his memory, 

Mr. Lee was a faithful servant of the Church of 
Christ for many years. During his ministry he saw 
that branch of the Church to which he belonged rise 
from obscurity into notice, and spread from state to 
state through this continent, with a rapidity encou- 
raging to its friends, and appaling to its enemies. 

That the cause may still prosper among us as a 
people, and that it may be blessed with a holy, zealous, 
and living ministry, is the fervent prayer of the 

COMPILER. 



CONTENTS, 



CHAPTER I. 
Preliminary remarks — His birth — Education — First religious 
impressions — Conversion of his parents — His Conversion — A 
revival — Seeks a deeper work of grace — The Methodist 
Preachers visit his neighbourhood — He joins Society. 

Page 1 

CHAPTER II. 

A great revival in 1775 — Obtains a deeper work of grace — 

Removes to North Carolina — Becomes an Exhorter and Class 

Leader — Extracts respecting the separation at Broken Back 

Church, and the happy union which followed. Page 15 

CHAPTER III. 
He serves a tour of duty in the army — Is put under guard — 
Released by the Colonel — Preaches to the army — Is appoint- 
ed wagoner — Appointed Sergeant of the Pioneers — A tory 
hung — Apprehends an attack from the Enemy — Gets a dis- 
charge from the army, and returns home — Reflections. 

Page 25 

CHAPTER IV. 

Exercises previous to his entering the Travelling Ministry — 
Attends the Virginia Conference at Ellis', but did not take 
an appointment — He finally consents to travel for a season. 

Page 37 

CHAPTER V. 
He goes in Company with Mr. Drumgoole to form a new Cir- 
cuit — Some trials and exercises about travelling — Quaker 
hospitality — Formed a Circuit called Campden — Concluding 
Remarks. Page 45 



VI CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER VI. 

Tie attends Conference at Ellis' Meeting House — Appointed to 

Caswell — Goes to Amelia, from thence to Sussex Circuit — 

He is blessed in his own soul, and his labours made a blessing 

to others. Page 51 

CHAPTER VII. 

Attends conference at Ellis' — Is appointed to Salisbury — His 
Labours are blessed — Has a narrow escape with his life — 
Visits his Friends in Virginia — Returns to his Circuit — Meets 
with Mr. Asbury — Accompanies him to Charleston — Returns 
to Salisbury — Has a sorrowful parting with his Friends. 

Page 63 
CHAPTER VIII. 

Leaves Salisbury Circuit — Attends Conference at Green Hills- 
Meets with Doctor Coke — Some unpleasant feelings, be- 
tween the Doctor and himself — A reconciliation — Attends 
Conference at Mason's — Is appointed to travel Carolina Cir- 
cuit — His exercises there — Attends conference at Law's — 
From thence to Abingdon in Maryland — Is appointed to 
travel Kent Circuit. Page 76 

CHAPTER IX. 
Attends Conference in Baltimore — Appointed to Baltimore 
City Circuit — Preaches on the Commons in Baltimore — A 
great Revival of Religion in Virginia — The flame spreads to 
Maryland — Makes a visit to Virginia — 1788, attends Confe- 
rence at Baltimore and Philadelphia — Refuses Ordination- 
Appointed to Flanders — Visits Virginia again. Page 91 

CHAPTER X. 

Attends the Conference in New-York — Appointed to Stanford 
— Commences his labours in Connecticut — Cool reception in 
Norwalk — Mr. Davenport, a New-Light — Opposed in Strat- 
field — Inscription on Robert Sandeman's Tomb — Gets among 
the Free-Will Baptists in Rhode-Island — The woman's 
account of an Arminian — Some fruits of his labours in Read- 
ing — Preaches at Hartford — Undergoes an examination at 
New-Windsor — Visited Mr. Whitefield's Tomb — Concluding 
Remarks. Page 10- 



CONTENTS. VII 

CHAPTER XI. 
He attends the Conference at New- York — Receives Ordina- 
tion. — Is appointed to Boston — Hears of the death of his 
mother — The affliction which his mind sustained on re- 
ceiving this melancholy intelligence. — Receives a friendly 
letter from Lynn. — Difficulties in Boston. — His finances get 
low. — Raises a Society in Lynn. Page 161 

CHAPTER XII. 

Attends Conference in New-York — Is appointed Elder of the 
New-England District— 1792, Conference in Lynn — General 
Conference in Baltimore — James O'Kelly withdrew — Con- 
ference in Alexandria — Visits his friends in Virginia — Makes 
Collections for building a meeting house in Boston — Returns 
to Lynn. Page 173 

CHAPTER XIII. 

Attends the Conference in Lynn — Appointed to the Province of 
Maine — Good prospects on the Penobscot river — Forms a Cir- 
cuit on the west side of the Kennebeck, called Readfield — 
M. Cazier's Lecture — Visits Canada — Preaches a Dedication 
Sermon in a new meeting-house, built by the Methodists, in 
Readfield. Page 189 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Conference in New-London — Goes to Boston, and assists in lay- 
ing the corner stone of the first Methodist meeting-house in 
that place — Singular conduct of some ill-disposed persons in 
Province town— Visits Mount Desert— Receives a letter from 
bishop Asbury — Attends Conference at Wilbraham — Meets 
with Mr. Asbury, and goes to Charleston — Pleasing change 
in that place — Travels through Georgia — The manner in 
which Mrs. Van Nest was awakened — Conference in Read- 
field — Goes to the south. Page 221 

CHAPTER XV: 
Reflections at the commencement of the year — Conference at 
Charleston — Commencement of a revival at Lockwood's 
Folly, related by Mr. Belvieu — Conference in Baltimore- 
Conference in Philadelphia — Do. in New- York — An earth- 
quake — An account of Martin Boehm's conversion, and call 
to the ministry — Goes to the south — Forms Oconee circuit. 



Vlll CONTENTS. 

in Georgia — Views the ruins of Mr. WhitefielcTs Orphan 

Asylum Returns to Virginia — Conference at Blunt 's, in 

Isle of Wight-*-- Goes to Maryland — Conference at Stone 
Chapel. Page 245 

CHAPTER XVI. 
Retrospection — Attends General Conference in Baltimore — 
Very near being elected Bishop — False reports cleared up — 
Goes to the north as far as Lower Canada — Returns to New- 
York — Remarks at the close of the year. Page 263 

CHAPTER XVII. 

Progress of Methodism in New-York — Leaves New- York to 
return to Virginia — Remarks on Fredricksburg — Attends 
Conference at Drumgoole's — Appointed to the southern dis- 
trict — 1802, Conference at Salem — 1803, Drumgoole's Re- 
marks upon Camp-meetings. Page 281 
CHAPTER XVIII. 

His journey from the south to Petersburg — Attends the Con- 
ference in Lynchburg — Is appointed to Cumberland — Attends 
the General Conference — Much ceremony at a camp-meet- 
ing — continues his journey to the north — Not pleased with 
some of the Methodist churches which had pews — Enjoys 
the company of his old friends — Sets his face towards the 
south— Returns to Virginia. w Page 309 

CHAPTER XIX. 

Purchases a small farm — Attends the Conference in Tarbo- 

r0U o-h Appointed to Amelia — Offers, and is elected Chaplain 

to Congress — Motives for wishing that office — Issues a pros- 
pectus for the publication of the History of the Methodists — 
Receives a fall, and a wound — 1810, his history comes out — 
1811, attends Conference in Petersburg — Appointed to the 
Meherrin district — Re-elected Chaplain to Congress — At- 
tends the Conference in Raleigh — 1812, attends the Confe- 
rence in Richmond — Stationed in that city — Elected Chap- 
lain 1813, Appointed to Brunswick — 1814, Cumberland, 

chosen chaplain to the Senate — 1815, Fredricksburg — 1816, 
Annapolis, his last sickness and death — Conclusion. Page 325 

A Sketch of his Character. Page 343 

Appendix. Page 355 



MEMOIR 

OF THE 

REV. JESSE LEE. 

CHAPTER I. 



Preliminary remarks — His birth — Education — First religious 
impressions — Conversion of his parents — His Conversion — A 
revival — Seeks a deeper work of grace — The Methodist 
Preachers visit his neighbourhood — He joins Society. 

J_ () preserve the remembrance of men of worth, 
seems to have been the care of many in different ages 
of the world. 

Men of science, or those who have acquired cele- 
brity in arts, or arms, have not been left in total for- 
getfulness. Those too, who have borne a distinguished 
part in reforming the world, either by enacting or 
enforcing wise laws, have had historians to record 
their merits, and hand their names down to posterity. 

Those who have been famous for piety and mental 
accomplishments, and have zealously devoted their 
lives to the advancement of religion, and have beea 
eminently successful in a cause of such vital import- 
ance to the happiness of the world, deserve to be 
ranked amongst the benefactors of mankind. Neither 



2 MEMOIR OF THE 

their names, nor deeds, should be suffered to sink in 
oblivion, but should be held up as models for future 
generations. 

In perusing the pages of profane history, we are 
often made to turn away in disgust from the descrip- 
tion 0/ those scenes of injustice, of wars and murders, 
practised by that race of human beings known by the 
name of kings, courtiers, and heroes ; who, from 
time immemorial, have claimed for themselves a kind 
of superiority over the rest of mankind ; and have 
exerted their strength in desolating the earth by their 
barbarous deeds. It affords us some relief to turn 
away from the contemplation of such characters, 
whose crimes, associated with their names, will ren- 
der them odious to the latest generations, and mark 
the progress of those whose Christian virtues have 
procured for them the veneration of the wise and 
good. 

The man who pursues that course which his own 
conscience approves, and which meets with the assent 
of good men, holds a dignified station in society, par- 
ticularly when society has been greatly benefitted by 
his labours. In proportion as he has exercised his 
talents in doing good, and made personal sacrifices for 
the benefit of others, he should be admired and 
esteemed. The circumstance of his being removed 
from this sublunary abode, will only tend to extin- 
guish the remembrance of his foibles, and set his vir- 
tues in the most agreeable point of view. 

The individual whom we are now about to intro- 
duce to the notice of the public, was one, who, with 
respect to his acquirements in literature, we do not 
pretend to rank with some of his predecessors in the 
ministry.-— But so far from doing him any injustice, or 



REV. JESSE LEE. O 

underrating his character by giving precedence to 
others in this respect, we intend to show in the fol- 
lowing sheets, that he has been greatly useful to the 
church, and to society generally, without attaining to 
that eminence in human science which has adorned 
the brow of some, or of suffering imprisonment or 
death for the testimony of Jesus. Judging from what 
he did do and suffer, and from his acknowledged 
attachment to the cause of Christ, we may safely pre- 
sume, that, had he been called, in the order of God's 
providence, to make greater sacrifices for his Divine 
Master, he would have done it with all cheerfulness. 

Jesse Lee was born in the year of our Lord 1758, 
in Prince George County, Va. He was the second 
son of Nathaniel and Elizabeth Lee, whose fore- 
fathers came over from England soon after the first 
settlement of Virginia. His parents were respecta- 
ble and moral ; and being members of the English 
Episcopal Church, dedicated their children to God 
according to its ceremonies. 

It will not, it is presumed, be essential to record 
every circumstance relative to the education and early 
impressions of the subject of these memoirs ; some 
incidents of his early life shall, however, be noticed, and 
in doing this, reference will be had to manuscript jour- 
nals, which were left in his own hand writing ; extracts 
from which we shall have occasion frequently to 
make in the following pages. 

When he arrived to the proper age, he was put to 
a school in the neighbourhood, and as soon as he was 
capable of reading tolerably well, his teacher directed 
him to procure a prayer book, with a strict injunction 
to carry it to church every Sabbath, and out of which 
he was taught the catechism ; and the teacher, 



4 MEMOIR OF %IIE 

prompted with a laudable ambition of improving the 
morals of his pupils, had the morning service regu- 
larly performed in his school every Wednesday and 
Friday. This custom had a tendency to familiarize 
his mind to devotion, and to make the dut} r pleasant ; 
for when summoned to church on Sunday, he would 
seat himself in his pew, with his prayer book in his 
hand, and repeat the service in a manner which did 
credit to one of his age. 

We shall not doubt his testimony, when he assures 
us that he derived considerable benefit from this 
course of religious instruction. u In a thousand instan- 
ces (says he,) when I felt an inclination to act or 
speak amiss, I have been stopped by the recollection 
of my catechism, some parts of which I did not under- 
stand ; yet it was good upon the whole that I learned 
it."* 

He was also sent to a singing school in the neigh- 
bourhood : here it was he contracted a love for 
sacred melody, which gave him a disrelish for 
those vain songs which he had learned in his ear- 
lier days — by this means he was enabled to join with 
the congregation in singing the praises of God. 
These circumstances are noticed with a view of show- 
ing the necessity of occupying the mind of youth with 
religious instruction, so as to restrain the evil disposi- 
tions of the heart, and to furnish the mind with strength 
to overcome evil habits, which will always pre- 
vail, unless the faculties are employed in something 
good. 

It would be easy for parents generally to restrain 
their children from the evil practices which prevail 

* This circumstance evinces the importance and the utility of cai % 
fchetical instructions 



REV. JESSE LEE. 5 

among the youth of the present age, were they with 
due diligence and perseverance, to instil into their 
minds early notions of piety. The mind is active ; 
it must have employment. Be it so ; and are there not 
ample opportunities afforded every parent, of furnish- 
ing the intellect with proper food ? By using that sub- 
stantial nourishment which the bible so plentifully 
affords, and offering it in a way which will make it 
acceptable and pleasant, and easily digested, even by 
the most common capacity, is the most effectual 
method to guard youth against the contagion of vice. 
Young Lee was what may be called a moral youth. 
H I do not (says he) recollect that I ever swore 
in my life, except one night being in company 
with some wicked young people, I uttered some kind 
of oaths, for which I felt ashamed, and sorry all the 
next day ; and when alone, I felt that God was dis- 
pleased with me for my bad conduct. I believe I 
never did any thing in my youth, that the people gen- 
erally call wicked. I used, however, to indulge bad 
tempers, and use some vain words." 

Although he had little inclination to indulge in the 
vices which often prove destructive to youth, yet in 
him as in all others, was realized the truth, so 
solemnly announced by the prophet — u The heart is 
deceitful and desperately wicked, who can know it ?" 
He was fond of amusement, whether it was the dance* 
or the jovial company, when each one endeavoured 
to display his talent in wit, to the best advantage ; 
and it but ill accorded with his own feelings when by 
parental authority he was restrained from those 
favourite scenes. We will quote his own words. 

" When I was a little turned fourteen years of age, 
my father refused to go to any place of amusement ; 

2* 



© MEMOIR OF THE 

and withal, told his children they had better go no 
more. I thought, at times, that it was hard to be 
kept under such restrictions, inasmuch as I saw that 
other young people could go without being restrained; 
but it was not long before my father let us know that 
it was from religious motives that he Was led to act as 
he did. From that time, I felt willing to forego the 
vain amusements of life, and to conform to my father's 
will" 

His ready compliance with his father's request, is 
sufficient to put to the blush many of the children 
even of Methodist parents, who, in despite of all 
remonstrance, and the force of example, manifest a 
strong predelection to conform to customs and maxims 
prevalent in a vitiated and corrupted age. This evil, 
which seems to spread with rapidity, is ominous of 
nothing favourable to the progress of piety in the 
world ; and if parents who profess the religion of 
Christ, neglect to bring their children to feel the influ- 
ence of religious precepts, we shall not be astonished 
if the name of religion should perish in their families 
after their heads are laid in the dust. But we will 
now notice a new era in the family of the subject of 
these memoirs. 

"In the latter part of the year 1772, my father 
became much more serious, and more engaged with 
Gud than formerly. 

"One day, when his conviction was deep, and his 
distress very great, he went into the woods, and con- 
tinued travelling about, and mourning for his sins, till 
at length he claimed the promises of God, and by faith 
beheld the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of 
world, and was justified freely by the blood of Jesus 
Christ, The joy he felt in his soul he could not 



REV. JESSE LEE. 7 

describe with words. He had an inward evidence, 
that his sins were forgiven, and that he was born again. 
This was the beginning of religion in the family ; 
and my father's conversation about religion from that 
time astonished us all. 

" When my father informed my mother what the 
Lord had done for his soul, in the forgiveness of his 
sins, she believed it all, and began to weep ; and from 
that time she became a broken hearted penitent. She 
sought the Lord in earnest prayer for some months. 
Some time in the following winter, while she was 
reading in the New Testament, the Lord spoke peace 
to her troubled soul ; and there was, from that time, 
a visible alteration in her life and conversation. After 
the conversion of my father and mother, I frequently 
heard them talk about conversion, and being born 
again, of the comforts of religion, and the happiness 
they enjoyed, but nothing that I heard took hold of 
my mind for some time. 

" One of my mother's relations came to my father's 
and stayed all night ; the topic of conversation was 
experimental religion. While engaged on this inte- 
resting subject, my father observed, * that if a man's 
sins .e forgiven, he would know it.' That sen- 
tence, ' if a man's sins were forgiven him, he would 
know it,' took hold of my mind, and I pondered it in 
my heart. The next day, when alone in the field, it 
kept running across my mind, ! if a man's sins are for- 
given, he will know it.' I thought it over and over 
again, and concluded it must be so, for my father said 
so, and I believe it. At length I began to reason 
with myself thus: are my sins forgiven ? I hope so — 
but do I know it ? No ! no ! I have no assurance of it; 
immediately it was impressed upon my mind with 



& MEMOIR OF TfiE 

uncommon force, go and pray ! The impression was 
repeated, and I went off into a large branch, which 
was surrounded with thick bushes; then I stopped 
and looked to see if any person was near me, but 
eould see no one ; yet I thought some one might pass 
that way and see me, so 1 set off to another place 
where the bushes appeared to be 3'et thicker, but 
when I came there I was afraid of being seen ; I 
then went to another place with the same reasonings, 
and the same fears, but at length I ventured to kneel 
down, and began to pray that the Lord would forgive 
my sins. 

" My distress of soul, at that time, w 7 as very great, 
and never wore off till my sins were forgiven. 

" 1 would frequently, after that time, get by myself, 
and with many tears pray to God to have mercy 
upon my poor soul, and forgive my sins. Sometimes 
in the open fields I have fell on my knees, and prayed, 
and wept, till my heart was ready to break, At 
other times my heart was so hard that I could not 
shed a tear. It ivould occur to mind, * your day 
of grace is past, and God will never forgive your 
sins,' It appeared to me that of all sinners in the 
world I was the greatest ; my sins appeared to me 
greater in magnitude and multitude than the sins of 
any other person. 

" All this time (says he) I kept my distress to my- 
self, and carefully concealed it from all my friends. 
When in company, I would endeavour to be as cheer- 
ful as possible, to prevent any one from knowing my 
wretched state. There were no young people in the 
neighbourhood who were religious ; and I could not 
take courage to talk to aged people on the subject ; 
and withal ; I saw myself to be such a desperate siu- 



UEV, JESSE LEE. 9 

ner, that I did not want any body to know how bad I 
was. 

" When I was in company where religious people 
were talking about religion, I would frequently get 
near enough to hear what was said, and pay the great- 
est attention to what 1 heard, and yet would try to 
prevent the people from knowing my anxiety to hear 
and gain instruction : sometimes I would be writing 
on the ground, and at other times looking a different 
way. 

" Sometimes I felt a fear that there was no mercy 
for me ; but for the greater part of the time, I 
believed firmly that the Lord would in mercy forgive 
me. 1 relied on that promise, ' Seek, and ye shall 
iind ;' I was determined to seek as long as 1 lived. 

" Thus I went on for about four weeks, in which 
time I never, for an hour, lost sight of my w r retched 
condition. The cry of my soul was, ' bow shall I 
escape the misery of hell ?' I cared little about the 
sufferings of this life, if I could but escape eternal 
misery. — I read, that some ' asked, and received not, 
because they asked amiss ;' the remembrance of this, 
made me, for a season, afraid to use many words* in 
prayer, for fear I should pray improperly, and, there- 
fore, ' ask amiss.' 

" One morning, being in deep distress, and fearing 
every moment I should drop into hell, and viewing 
myself as hanging over the pit, I was constrained to 
cry in earnest for mercy, and the Lord came to my 
relief, and delivered my soul from the burden and 
guilt of sin ! 

* How short, and how comprehensive was the prayer of the publi- 
can : u God be merciful to tne a sinner." This prayer is a proper 
model for all true penitents. 



t 



10 MEMOIR OF THE 

« My whole frame was in a tremor from head to 
foot, and my soul enjoyed sweet peace. The plea- 
sure I then felt was indescribable. This happiness 
lasted about three days, during which time 1 never 
spoke to any person about my feelings. I anxiously 
wished for some one to talk to me on the subject, but 
no one did. I then began to doubt my conversion, 
and to fear that I was deceived — I finally concluded 
that if 1 were not converted, I would never rest with- 
out the blessing, and began to pray to the Lord to 
show me my lost condition, and let me feel my danger, 
as I had previously done ; but as I could not feel the 
burden of my sins, the enemy of my soul suggested 
to my mind that the Lord had forsaken me, and that 
I had sinned away my convictions, and deceived my 
own soul. Thus I was a prey to those doubts and 
perplexities for about six months, before I could 
assuredly believe that I was in the favour of God. 

" One evening, travelling in company with a reli- 
gious neighbour, he asked me if I was ever con- 
verted ? I told him 1 believed I had been. He then 
asked me several questions relative to the circum- 
stances of the change, which I endeavoured to 
answer. He then said, 'you are surely converted.' 
I was much strengthened b}' that conversation, and so 
much encouraged, as to tell other people, when they 
asked me, what the Lord had done for my soul." 

Soon after this he enjoyed such a manifestation of 
the presence and power of God, as completely to 
remove all his doubts, and enable him to say, " now I 
know in whom I believe." This blessed assurance 
he obtained by fervently besieging the throne of 
grace — he proved successful, and was abundantly 
blessed. 



REV. JESSE LEE. 11 



I 

jN'othing nppears more evident than this, that those 
who have received the grace of justification, ought by 
no means to conceal it. — " Do men light a candle, and 
put it under a bushel ?" was asked by Christ, when 
enforcing the necessity of the following precept : "Let 
your light so shine before men, that they may behold 
your good works, and glorify your Father which is in 
heaven." 

The spirit of religious inquiry which was, at this 
time, wakened up in the minds of a few, was a favour- 
able presage of what was about to follow ; the field 
was beginning to whiten for the harvest, and we are 
almost surprised, how the process of awakening, con- 
viction and conversion, should be so regularly carried 
on at a time when those doctrines were so little 
understood, and but seldom enforced from the pulpit. 
But those who are acquainted with the history of 
religion in Virginia, will recollect that even in those 
days of moral darkness, there was a Jarret who did 
not fail to point sinners to the Lamb of God, who tak- 
eth away the sins of the world. 

About this time, the Lord was raising up ministers, 
and thrusting them into his vineyard. The flame that 
had been kindled in England, under the ministry of 
Wesley, had already extended to America. It began 
in the city of New-York, and was gradually progress- 
ing towards the southern states. 

Mr. Robert Williams was the first of the Wesleyan 
preachers who visited that part of Virginia where 
Jesse Lee resided. The doctrines of this minister of 
Christ, were just such as suited his state of mind ; he 
was comforted, and built up in faith and love. Hi? 
soul was more than ever given up to God. 



12 MEMOIR OP THE 



t 

In the spring of the year 1774, Mr. Williams began 
to form societies in the neighbourhood. It was then 
that Mr. Lee, being about sixteen years of age, united 
himself to the society of the Methodists, and was, per- 
haps, stimulated to it by the example of his father 
and mother, and an elder brother, At that time the 
number of Methodists, on the continent of America, 
amounted to little more than one thousand. 

In the following summer, the first circuit in Virginia 
was formed, called Brunswick. His father freely 
offered his house as a regular preaching place, which 
was accepted ; and from that period to this,* continued 
a home for the preachers, and a house of worship. 
Like the house of Obed-Edom, the Lord blessed his, 
because the ark of the Lord rested there. This son 
often took sweet counsel with the preachers who 
visited his father's. They not only imparted instruc- 
tion by the public ministration of the word, but 
in social conversation, they gave such advice as 
was suited to the particular case of each individual. 

It pleased God about this time, to show him the 
necessity of a deeper work of grace than he had 
hitherto experienced ; for, although he enjoyed the 
blessed assurance of sin forgiven, he was at times 
agitated with fears, darkness, and heaviness of soul. 
Hearing the preacher speak of the evidences of the 
Holy Spirit, and sanctification of soul, body and spirit; 

♦Since writing the above, the author has to record the death of 
this aged and long respected follower of Christ. 

He died the 5th day of March, 1820, in the 90th year of his age. 
He was married three times, had twelve children, and at the time of 
his discease, there were 73 grand children and 66 great-grand chil- 
dren living. He had been a professor of religion 48 yea??, and acted 
the greater part of (hat time as a class leader. — He came down to his 
grave old and full of years. 



# 



REV. JESSE LEE. 1 3 

he was incited to search the Holy Scriptures, that ho 
might see the object after which all Christians should 
aspire. This he found to be holiness of heart and life, 
and a will entirely quiescent to the will of God. After 
having searched the divine records, and having seen the 
extensive privilege of the Christian, he resolved to seek 
for the enjoyment of the promised blessings. He often 
retired in secret, and poured out his soul to Cod in 
strong cries, and tears — he was blessed with an out- 
pouring of the Spirit of God — he aro*e happy — freed 
from doubts and fears, and went on his way rejoicing 

We will close this chapter with one extract from 
his journal. 

" In the latter part of the year, we had a great 
revival of religion in our neighbourhood, and many of 
my friends and acquaintances were brought to expe- 
rience the favour of God. I felt greatly quickened, 
and comforted with the Divine Presence. I had little 
inclination to be in any other company but the reli- 
gious. I was always glad to go to meeting, by night 
or by day, and sometimes went on foot many mile? 
•*nd thought myself highly favoured in that respect." 



I 



• 



CHAPTER II. 



\ great revival in 1775 — Obtains a deeper work of grace- 
Removes to North Carolina — Becomes an Exhorter and Clas^ 
Leader — Extracts respecting the separation at Broken Back 
Church, and the happy union which followed. 

IN the year 1775, Messrs. Shadford, Drumgoole 
and Glendenning, succeeded Mr. R. Williams on 
Brunswick circuit, which, by this time, had become 
considerably enlarged. 

The labours of these three men were greatly 
blessed. Mr. Shadford preached in a bold, energetic 
style, searching the heart, and stripping the sinner 
and false professor, of every subterfuge ; sometimes 
proclaiming the law from Sinai, to shake the con- 
science of the sinner, and then pointing him to the 
blood of Jesus Christ, to wash away his sins. 

Mr. Drumgoole's talents were nearly of the same 
class with the former, calculated to awaken the con- 
science, and awe the mind into reverence. Under 
the ministry of these men^Mr. Lee sat with great 
delight. 

" In the latter part of that year (says he,) we had 
the greatest revival of religion, I had ever seen. 1 
have been at meetings where the whole congrega- 
tion would be bathed in tears : and sometimes their 
cries would be so loud that the preacher's voice 
could not be heard. Some would be seized with a 
trembling, and in a few moments drop on the floor 






16 MEMOIR OF THE 



as if -they were dead; while others were embracing 
each other, with streaming eyes, and all were lost 
in wonder, love, and praise. 

" During that season, my soul was greatly blessed, 
and for the greater part of my time, I was \ strong in 
faith, giving glory to God.' I had such confidence 
in. and love to God, and his service, that I was will- 
ing to be any thing, or nothing, so that God might be 
all in all." 

He continued in a happy, and peaceful frame of 
mind until the spring of 1776, when he attended a 
quarterly meeting, held at Bisseau's Chapel, Din- 
widdie County, where the Spirit of God was poured 
out in a remarkable manner ; many souls were 
brought to the favour of God, and several persons pro- 
fessed sanctification. He now discovered that the 
Mood of Christ could, indeed, cleanse from all sin. To 
use his own words, " I went home with a fixed deter- 
mination to seek for a deeper w r ork of grace, and to 
hope, and pray, and wait for that perfect love, which 
casteth out all fear, I did firmly believe that the 
Lord was both able, and willing, to save to t ie 
utmost all that would come to him. I felt a sweet dis- 
tress in my soul for holiness of heart and life. I sensi- 
bly felt that while I was seeking for purity of heart, 
that I grew in grace, a^P * n *^ e knowledge of God. 
This concern of soul lasted for some time, till at 
length I could say, I have nothing but the love of 
Christ in my heart, I was assured that my soul was 
continually happy in God. The world, with all its 
charms, is crucified to me, and I am crucified to the 
world.! 7 

It may be truly said that these different manifesta- 
tions of the Spirit of God, were an evidence of a growth 



REV. JESSE I.tfE. l ' 

in grace, by which the soul ascends step after step, 
towards the Christian's eternal inheritance— a con- 
tinual progress in the knowledge and love of God. 
His heart becoming thus the seat of holy affections, 
of love to God and men, we are not surprised that he 
should feel an anxious desire to do something for the 
good of souls. 

The Apostle of the Gentiles has represented the 
church of Christ as a body, having many members, 
and every member having not the same office. This 
metaphor may serve to illustrate the necessity of a 
faithful discharge of our duties, in the stations which a 
wise Providence has assigned us. Each one should 
use the gift which God has given him, knowing that 
all must be accountable for the improvement of the 
talents distributed in wisdom. 

Our brother Lee, as a member of the spiritual 
building of Christ, discovered the necessity of using 
the gifts which were conferred upon him, in endea- 
vouring to promote the Redeemer's kingdom. And 
an ample field, at this time, opened to his view. He 
did not, indeed, at that time feel it his duty to preach, 
but he thought in the time of a revival, he might be 
the means of helping some poor broken hearted sin- 
ner, to claim an interest in the blood of Christ. M It 
was his desire, (he said,) to '^o all the good he could." 

A glorious revival was still carried on in his neigh- 
bourhood, and among his most intimate acquaintances 
and friends. lie had frequent opportunities of press- 
ing upon their minds the importance of religion, and 
the necessity of fleeing the wrath to come. And 
while some, whose hearts God had touched, were 
prostrate on the earth, crying for mercy, he would 

3* 



**> MEMOIR OP TH£ 

be engaged in pointing them to the Lamb of God, who 
taketh away the sin of the world. 

His zeal, however, would prompt him sometimes; 
to exhort in public, but his diffidence kept him from 
it, for a considerable time. It is supposed that from 
an impression of mind that it would one day be his 
duty to preach the gospel, he commenced the study of 
religious authors, not forgetting, at the same time, the 
study of the best of all books, the bible. By this 
course, his stock of useful knowledge was increased, 
and he was enabled to converse with more case and 
perspicuity, on the subject of religion. 

In the year 1777, he makes mention of another 
glorious revival, which took place in his neighbour- 
hood, — Surely they were a highly favoured people, 
who, while suffering the privations which generally 
attend a state of warfare, (for this was in the midst of 
our revolutionary struggle,) should still be visited, 
several years in succession, with such great outpour- 
ings of the Spirit of God. 

In the latter part of this year, he, from mo- 
lives of kindness to a near relation who was left in 
a widowed state, parted with his affectionate parents, 
and removed to North Carolina. In leaving, for the 
first time, his parental home, he felt all that sorrow 
which an affectionate s*on was capable of feeling, 
under such circumstances ; for he always cherished 
a most affectionate regard for his aged father and 
mother, and in all his subsequent peregrinations from 
the first day he took leave of them to go to North 
Carolina until his death, he did not forget to visit them 
whenever an opportunity offered. 

We shall close this chapter with extracts from his 
journal, subjoining a few notes as occasion may offer 



REV. JESSE I 10 

January, 1778, I began to write down some 
ount of every meeting which I attended, where a 
sermon was preached,* I had no thought, at that time, 
»jf keeping a journal, or of writing any account of the 
exercise of my own soul ; but being desirous of 
/utaining and retaining all the information I could, I 
was induced to adopt this plan : it has oftentimes 
been a source of satisfaction to me since, 

u But I added to the first plan that of noting the 
place and time when the sermon was delivered, and 
manner in which the text was divided and enlarged 
upon by the minister. 

4i This plan of noting down the sermons I heard, 
was of great service to me. — It fixed useful things in 
irry memorj', and gave me a view of the method, and 
manner of preaching, and brought me to a much bet- 
ter judgment of the nature and substance of the doc- 
trines to be raised from certain texts. All these things 
being put together, my mind was led thereby to the 
Lord Jesus Christ, as the meritorious cause of all the 
blessings that I enjoyed. The benefit which I have 
, derived to my own soul from the above plan, causes 
me still to be thankful that he ever directed and guided 

* The practice of noting down all the texts of Scripture which ht 
wad heard preached on, was attended to during his life. This wav 
not the only proof of the minuteness of his observations, for it will be 
found in his M. S. journals that he duty registered the name of every 
author he read, with the number of pages the book contained. lit 
also kept an exact account of every quarterly meeting which ht 
attended, together with the number of love feasts at which he wa« 
present. General and annual conferences were regularly noticed, 
with the time, place, and every remarkable circumstance attending 
them. lie likewise kept a regular account of the number of sermons 
and exhortations which he delivered ; so that I have more than once 
heard him tell, from the pulpit, how many sermons he had ever preach 
ed. This I shall more particularly notice in the succeeding page*. 



£0 MEMOIR ©F THE 

me in that way.- — For, in these things, I took no man 
for my pattern, and no man's plan for my guide. 

" As soon as I united with the class at B, Dobs', the 
preacher of the circuit* appointed me class leader. I 
felt it to be a heavy cross, yet I dare not refuse, I 
began with fear and trembling and often wished to be 
excused : I loved the cause of God, and was willing 
to do all I could ; but being young, not quite 20 years 
of age, I was sensible of my danger and my own 
weakness. When I met the class I frequently wept 
much while I was talking to the people about the wel- 
fare of their souls. I was well received by the class, 
and greatly united to them. 

" On the 8th of March, I gave a public exhorta- 
tion, which was my first attempt. I then lacked a 
few days of being twenty years old. The Saturday 
night following, I went to a watch night, at brother 
Lock's, where F. Garrettson led the meeting; he 
asked me to speak, and I exhorted, which was my 
second attempt, The next evening I attended a 
watch night, at C. Bustin's, where I exhorted again ; 
but I felt truly sensible of my own weakness ; and 
what made the cross heavier, was owing, probably, to 
the circumstance of having many of my old friends 
and acquaintances to hear me, 

"From that time I frequently exhorted at prayer 
meetings, and class meetings ; and sometimes I 
appointed meetings in the neighbourhood, or among 
the neighbouring societies, with a view of speaking to 
the people, and of begging them to be reconciled to 
God, 

a l have often admired the providence of God in 
opening the way for me to remove to North Carolina ; 

* Roan Oak. 



REV* JESSE LEE. 21 

for, had I continued among my relations in Virginia, I 
might not have hegan my public labours so soon ; for 
at that time of my life I was very timid* But when I 
removed among strangers, I lost, in some degree, my 
former fearfulness. I seldom gave an exhortation 
without weeping ; for my heart yearned over the 
souls of poor sinners. 

V At that time I could truly say, { The zeal of thy 
house hath eaten me up,[ 

" During these exercises I had very little thought 
of becoming a preacher : I only wished to exhort, and 
pray, and live to do good to the souls of the people. 
My soul was remarkably happy in general, both in pri- 
vate and in public. My chief wish and greatest con- 
cern was to know the will of God, and to do it in all 
things, both great and small. 

" In the close of the year I went to visit my friends 
in Virginia, and was at meeting with them in different 
places, and exhorted them publicly, and with much 
earnestness, to flee the wrath to come, and prepare 
for a better w T orld. I was much pleased to find man\ 
of my old friends steadily pursuing their journey to 
heaven, 

"On Christmas day we had a precious love feast at 
my father's, where the Christians were highly 
favoured of the Lord, and greatly comforted together 
in hearing each other tell of the goodness of God to 
iheir souls. 

" After spending a little time with my friends and 
relations in Va. I returned to N. Carolina and spent a 
few days with my relations and religious friends, and 
then went into business again. 

" In the beginning of the year 1779, I engaged in 
business with G. L. with whom I expected to find 



22 MEMOIR OF THE 

much comfort in the course of the year; as he was. 
in my esteem, one of the best private Christians that 
I was acquainted with. It turned out according to my 
expectations ; and my soul was greatly blessed, quick- 
ened and comforted during that year ; and the man 
with whom I lived, acted towards me as a father, and 
a brother, and gave me much information, and encour- 
agement in religious matters. I spent all the time 1 
could spare from my common vocation., in reading or 
in going to meeting. 

"On the 17th of November, 1779, I preached for 
the first time in my life, at a place called the Old 
Barn. My text was 1 John iii. 1,2, * Behold what 
manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon 
us, that we should be called the sons of God ! there- 
fore the world knoweth us not, because it knew 
him not, 5 &c. 

" I felt more liberty in speaking from that text than 
what I expected when I began. I felt such a desire 
to please God and instruct the people how to serve 
him, that I was at that time, willing to spend my days 
in the service of God. 

" I preached again for the second time, at Mr. 
Guthrey's, on the Saturday following, and several 
times after that in the course of two weeks ; and 
found much of the Divine Presence with me in public, 
yet I was so sensible of my own weakness and insuf- 
ficiency, that after I had preached, I would retire to 
the woods and prostrate myself on the ground, and 
weep before the Lord, and pray that he would pardon 
the imperfections of my preaching, and give me 
strength to declare his whole counsel in purity : 
although, at that period, I had no expectation of ever 
travelling, and preaching extensively in the work. 



REV. JESSE LEE. &3 

u About this time, John Dickins, who was the 
preacher of that circuit, having some writings on 
hand, and wishing for a few weeks leisure, in 
order to complete what he had taken in hand, 
requested me to take his place on the circuit, which I 
consented to do ; but it was to me a heavy cross to 
begin, and equally heavy to continue for the short 
space of time for which I was engaged. From that 
time I continued to hold public meetings in different 
places ; and in most places the Christians appeared to 
be blessed. It appeared to me, that if I was of any 
use at all in my public character, it was among the 
religious part of mankind. 

" At the close of the year, I again visited my 
friends in Virginia, and spent some time with them, 
and attended all the public places of worship in the 
neighbourhood, I felt more pleasure in religious 
meetings than in visiting my own relations. This was 
supposed to be the coldest winter that had ever been 
known in Virginia. It has properly been called the 
cold winter of 1779 — 80. 

11 1 returned home in January, 1780, and lived at 
the same place. 

<{ In June, Mr. Asbury came through that part of 
North Carolina, and preached in many places. It 
was a little more than twelve months from the time 
that the Methodist preachers in the South had sepa- 
rated from their brethren in the North. This separa- 
tion took place at the Broken Back Churchy in Virginia, 
where the conference was held in 1779. The cause 
•f the separation was this : — the preachers in Virginia, 
seeing and feeling the necessity of having the ordi- 
nances of baptism, and the Lord's Supper, and seeing 
no way of having them administered without ordina- 



24 Mfc&OIH OF THE 

tton, determined to ordain ministers for that purpose, 
and the conference accordingly, made choice of a 
committee who first ordained themselves, and then 
proceeded to ordain and set apart other preachers for 
the same office. 

" On the 8th May, 1780, the conference was held 
at the Manakin Town, on James' River, where Mr, 
Asbury attended, and by his advice, it was agreed to 
suspend the administration of the ordinances for 
twelve months, and in the mean time to write to Mr. 
Wesley in England for his advice. This plan being 
adopted, the separation was stopped, and a happy 
union restored ; and the preachers in the North and 
South were again united." 

After this division was healed, Mr. Asbury tra- 
velled considerably through the different circuits in 
Virginia and North Carolina, where the preachers 
had been in favour of the new plan ; but the division 
was soon healed, and the hearts of the preachers were 
close! v united together 



CHAPTER III, 



He serves a tour of duty in the army — Is put under guard — 
Released by the Colonel — Preaches to the army — Is appoint- 
ed wagoner — Appointed Sergeant of the Pioneers — A tory 
hung — Apprehends an attack from the Enemy — Gets a dis- 
charge from the army, and returns home — Reflections. 

j\lR. Lee, who heretofore had been quietly engaged 
in the pleasing task of cultivating the soil, and of 
improving his spare moments in striving to aid in the 
reformation of his fellow men, now is suddenly inter- 
rupted in his career by an imperious summons given 
by his country, to exchange the implements of agri- 
culture for the weapons of war ; or it must be 
recollected that at this juncture, America was engaged 
in a struggle for her national rights and liberties. The 
clarion of war had for several years been sounding on 
the continent ; and the storm which had begun to 
gather in the northern, now began to lowr dread- 
fully over the southern and middle states. An invad- 
ing foe was marching through the country, tracking hi« 
way with blood and devastation. On all hands was 
heard the sound of the martial trumpet, calling the 
friends of liberty to the banners of their country ; but 
few who had arrived at the proper age were exempt 
from taking an active part in the conflict. The militia 
were drafted, and it fell to Mr. Lee's lot to go. How 
ii ,t accorded with his religious views and feelings 
may be seen in the following extracts. 

4 



2$ MEMOIR OF THE 

" I weighed the matter over and over again, but 
my mind was'settled ; as a Christian and as a preacher 
of the gospel I could not fight. I could not reconcile 
it to myself to bear arms, or to kill one of my fellow 
creatures ; however I determined to go, and to trust in 
the Lord ; and accordingly prepared for my journey. 

« Monday July 17th, 1780, I left home and set out 
for the army, and travelled about 25 miles to Mr. 
Green Hill's, where I was kindly used— I tarried 
there all night. 

" Wednesday 19th, I set off early in the morning 
and travelled about 16 miles to Mr. Hines\ In the 
afternoon we had much conversation on spiritual mat- 
ters, and in the evening, felt my heart more engaged 
with God in prayer than usual. I felt my dependence 
upon God, and though I believed that great difficulties 
lay before me, yet I resigned myself into the hands of 
God, and felt assured that he would protect and take 
care of me. 

" I did not join the army till the 29th. On the 
evening of that day I came in sight of the camp, and 
was soon called on parade, and orders were given for 
all the soldiers to be furnished with guns. I then 
lifted up my heart to God and besought him to take 
my cause in his hands, and support me in the hour of 
trial. 

" The sergeant soon came round with the guns, and 
offered one to me, but I would not take it. Then the 
lieutenant brought me one, but I refused to take it. 
He said I should go under guard. He then went to 
the colonel, and coming back, brought a gun and set it 
down against me. I told him he had as well take it 
away or it would fall. He then took me with him and 
delivered me to the guard. 



*EV. JESSE LEE. 27 

" After a while the colonel came, and taking me out 
a little way from the guard, he began to converse with 
me, and to assign many reasons why I should bear 
arms ; but his reasons were not sufficiently cogent to 
make any alteration in my mind. He then told the 
guard to take care of me, and so left me. 

" Many of the people came and talked with me and 
pitied me, and would leave me with tears in their eyes. 
We lay encamped at a tavern a few miles from the 
site of what was afterwards the seat of government 
for North Carolina. After dark, I told the guard we 
must pray before we slept ; and, having a Baptist 
under guard, I asked him to pray, which he did. I 
then told the people if they would come out early in 
the morning, I would pray with them. I felt remark- 
ably happy in God under all my trouble, and did not 
doubt but that I should be delivered in due time. 
Some of the soldiers brought me some straw to laj 
upon, and offered me their blankets and great coats 
for covering. I slept pretty well that night, which was 
the iirst, and the last night I was ever under guard. 

u Sunday 30th. — As soon as it was light, 1 was up 
and began to sing, and some hundreds of people soon 
assembled and joined with me, and we made the planta- 
tion ring with the songs of Zion. We then kneeled down 
and prayed ; and while I was praying, my soul was 
happy in God, and I wept much and prayed loud, and 
many of the poor soldiers also wept, i do not think 
th.it I ever felt more willing to suffer for the sake of 
religion than what I did at that time, 

" A little after we were done prayer, Mr. Thomas, 
the tavern keeper, came out and talked with me, and 
told me he was in bed when he heard me praying, that 
he could not refrain from tears, and he had called to 



%8 KEMOIR OP THE 

see me, and know if I would be willing to preach t» 
them that day, it being sabbath ? I told him I would 
preach provided he would procure a block, or some- 
thing for me to stand upon ; which he readily pro- 
mised to do. I told him, withal, I wished him to go 
to the colonel, for we had no higher officer amongst* 
us, and obtain leave for me to preach ; which he did, 
and liberty was granted. It is but just to state, that 
Colonel Bru * * * was a man of great humanity, 
although a profane swearer. When he heard that I 
was about to preach, it affected him very much, so 
he came and took me out to talk with me on the sub- 
ject of bearing arms. I told him I could not kill a 
man with a good conscience, but I was a friend to my 
country, and was willing to do any thing that I could, 
while 1 continued in the army, except that of fighting. 
He then asked me if I would be willing to drive their 
baggage wagon ? I told him I would, though I had 
never drove a wagon before ; he said their main 
cook was a Methodist, and could drive the wagon 
when we were on a march, and I might lodge and eat 
with him ; to which I agreed. He then released me 
from guard, and said when I was ready to begin meet- 
ing 1 might stand on a bench by his tent. When 
the hour arrived, I began under the trees, and took 
my text in Luke xiii. 5. Except ye repent, ye shall all 
likezvise perish. After I had been speaking awhile it 
began to rain, and we were under the necessity of 
going into the house, where I resumed my discourse. 
I was enabled to speak plainly, and without fear ; and 
I wept while endeavouring to declare my message. 
Many of the people, officers as well as men, were 
bathed in tears before I was done. That meeting 
afforded me an ample reward for all my trouble. At 



REV. JESSE LEE. 



29 



the close of the meeting, some of the gentlemen went 
about with their hats to make a collection of money for 
me, at which I was very uneasy, and ran in among the 
people and begged them to desist. I could not at that 
time feel willing to receive any compensation for 
preaching. I thought if the people could afford to sit 
and hear me, I could well afford to stand and preach 
to them. I felt my heart humbled before God, and 
was truly thankful to him for the grace communicated 
to my soul at that time. I had no doubt but that all 
things would work for my good. 

" On Monday I took charge of the wagon, and 
felt much resigned to the will of God." 

It is obvious to every reflecting mind, that a good deal 
of religious boldness and enjoyment is necessary to sup- 
port a mind disposed to seriousness amidst the noise 
and confusion of a camp. The army has always been 
a nursery of wickedness, a hot bed, in which is gene- 
rated all kinds of profanity. 

It ovist put the feelings of the Christian to the 
rack, to hear men without any apparent remorse, 
blaspheme the name of Jehovah, and indulge them- 
selves in gambling and drunkenness, as is frequently 
the case in armies. Mr. Lee's mind was made to feel 
very acutely on this account.-" But, (says he,) though 
I was in the midst of profane swearers, I was the 
more on my guard ; for I well knew that 1 could not 
withstand my enemies unless I was constantly sup- 
ported by divine grace." 

From Thomas' tavern, near ?he present tovn of 
Raleigh, the army moved on towards the South, 
passed through Chatham County, crossed How-River, 
at the Island-Ford and Deep-Creek, at Romney's Mill, 
crossed Drowning Creek at Coles' bridge, and the 
4* 



30 MEMOIR OF THE 

next day entered the state of South Carolina ; and 
then to the banks of the Pedee River, where they 
encamped. During the week they made forced 
marches, and the soldiers could obtain but half rations 
of meal. 

In order to show that his zeal and ardour for the 
cause of the Redeemer remained undiminished dur- 
ing the fatigues and trials of a soldier's life, we shall 
lay before the reader a few extracts from his journal. 

" Sunday 13th of August, we lay by and did not 
march ; about 3 o'clock in the afternoon, I preached 
to a large number of soldiers, from Isa. iii. 10, 11. 
Say ye to the righteous, fyc. Many of the hearers were 
very solemn, and some of them wept freely under the 
preaching of the word. I was happy in God, and 
thankful to him for that privilege of warning the 
wicked once more. It was a great cross for me to go 
forward in matters of so much importance, where 
there were few to encourage, and many to oppose ; 
but I knew that I had to give an account to God for 
my conduct in the world — 1 felt the responsibility laid 
upon me, and was resolved to open my mouth for 
God. I often thought I had more cause to praise 
and adore God for his goodness than any other person, 
for some weeks 1 hardly ever prayed in public, or 
preached, or reproved a sinner, without seeing some 
good effects produced by my labours. 

" Thursday 17th, about 10 o'clock in the morning, 
we received the unexpected news of general Gates' 
defeat, near Campden, which took place the day 
before ; the news spread through the camp, and all 
were called out on parade. All appeared solemn ; 
not an oath was heard for several hours. The 
mouths of the most profane swearers were shut. We 
hen commenced a retreat back to North Carolina. 



REV. JESSE LEE. 31 

" Monday 28th, we marched down to Romney's 
Mills, on Deep River. On the 29th, I was taken 
very sick. The next day I went to Mr. Crump's, about 
three miles from the camp. I was so sick that I 
could not return to camp that night. I was brought 
to examine my heart closely concerning my hope of 
heaven ; and was comforted to find that I had no 
doubt of my salvation ; for I believed that should the 
Lord see fit to remove me from this world, I should be 
called to join the armies of Heaven. 

" Tuesday the 5th of September, the army marched 
from Deep River, and I joined them though quite 
unwell. 

" On the following morning the Colonel told me, 
inasmuch as I was not willing to bear arms, I must join 
the pioneers. I was afterward appointed sergeant of 
the pioneers, which was a safe and easy birth ; there 
were but few in that company, and I had to direct 
them in their labours, which was not hard. The sol- 
diers suffered much for the want of provision, for the 
greater part of the week. We crossed Harraway 
River, and came through Randolph County ; we were 
frequently alarmed at night, so that I was much 
fatigued by severe marches by day, and sleeping 
little at night. But the best of all was, my soul was 
kept in peace, and at times, I felt great fellowship 
with the Father and with the Son ! 

"On the 15th of September, at night, some of our 
men took a noted tory from under guard and carried 
him a little way off, and hung him up, without judge 
or jury. Some inquiry was made about it the next 
day, but no person would confess the fact, and it passed 
over. This circumstance took place near Salisbury, 
where we tarried four nights. 



32 MEMOIR OF THE 

" Sunday the 24th, Mr. Green Hill preached in the 
camp; his text was 1 Thes. v. 19. « Quench not 
the Spirit. 5 The next morning before day we had 
orders to prepare and leave the ground in ten minutes, 
for the British were expected to be on us in a short 
time. We left the ground before day, and the wa- 
gons came on towards Salisbury about 16 miles, and 
then had orders to turn back to the Cross-Roads, 
which was about 9 miles ; we retreated about 7 miles, 
and halted to get something to eat ; we then had orders 
to march immediately. The enemy came to Char- 
lotte, and had an engagement with our people, and 
several men were killed. Some who overtook us, 
who were with the baggage, w T ere wounded and 
bleeding. We marched about 1 8 miles that day, and 
made it quite late in the night before we came to a 
halt. We stayed two or three hours, and cooked 
something, and eat a little ; and then marched imme- 
diately, without taking time to sleep. We marched 
again sometime before day, and the roads were 
thronged with people, men, women and children, 
with their property, flying from the face of the 
enemy. The colonel rode up and said to me, ' Well, 
Lee ! don't you think you could fight now V I told 
him I could fight with switches, but I could not kill a 
man. We came to Salisbury and encamped in town 
that night, expecting the enemy would be after us 
every hour. The night was very cold. 

" On Thursday, 28th of September, we crossed the 
Yadkin, at Island Ford, on account of the water 
being very high. 

" On Sunday, the 8th of October, T was but poorly 
employed ; we had no religious meeting. 



REV. JfcSSE LEE'. 33 

M Tuesday the 10th, general Butler came into camp 
with a number of men, and took command of the 
whole army. 

" At night the news arrived in camp that on Satur- 
day last the Americans had a skirmish with the British 
and tories in Kinds' Mountain, where our men gained 
a complete victory, and killed many of the enemy, and 
took the rest prisoners. We were all glad to hear 
the news ; but some rejoiced with horrid oaths, and 
others determined to get drunk for joy For my 
part, I felt thankful to God, and humbled before him d 
knowing that the' battle is not to the strong. 

" October 13th, colonel Morgan joined us with a 
part of his regiment — some of our soldiers were very 
sick — I went among them where they lay in baros, at 
the point of death, and talked to them about their 
souls ; and begged them to prepare to meet their God. 
When convenient, I a tended the funeral of those 
who died, and prayed at the grave. 

" Wednesday the 18th, we had a sharp frost, which 
was a great advantage to those who were sick. In 
the evening Col. Washington, with his troop of horse 
joined us. The next da) we crossed the Yadkin River 
to the South, and the day following, marched a small 
distance above Salisbury, and took up late at 
night. On Saturday we were up before day, and 
after some consultation among the officers, we were 
informed that we were not to march that day. We 
were in constant expectation of an attack from the 
enemy. 1 felt my mind calm and stayed on God ; but 
having my rest 60 much broken of late, I felt quite 
dull and heavy. 

" In the evening, by general Butler's order, 500 
men were despatched in search of the enemy. In 



34 MEMOIR OP THE 

the evening I walked out into the woods alone to 
pray and meditate; and it was to me a time of com- 
fort and peace. I had such a deep sense of the love 
of God, that I was humbled in his presence, and my 
soul was filled with gratitude and love. 

" Sunday 22d October, we continued in camp all 
day and had no religious meeting. On Tuesday fol- 
lowing, Gen. Jones came into our camp with his men. 
Many of the militia officers and soldiers began to be 
very uneasy about remaining any longer, as they sup- 
posed their time of service had expired, and several 
had already deserted. 

" Saturday 28th. They drummed out of camp two 
captains and one ensign for deserting. 

" Sunday Oct. 29th. — On this morning I obtained 
my discharge. The general said as there were two 
sergeants of the pioneers, and one was sufficient, it 
would be best for me to resign, and as I was the old- 
est in office, I might have the privilege if I chose it. 
I accepted the offer — took my discharge — settled some 
business — took leave of many of my old acquaintances, 
and left the army." And we may well imagine that 
he did not quit it with much regret. 

Here he ended his military career. It certainly sub- 
jected him to many trials, and to much labour ; but 
he had an opportunity of benefitting the souls of his 
fellow creatures by preaching Christ unto them. In 
addition to this, God did not leave his soul without 
comfort, but continued to supply him with grace to 
enable him to bear hardness as a good soldier of 
Christ. In the character of a soldier, we have seen 
him determined to keep a conscience void of offence 
towards God and man. True, he could not, consis- 
tently with the dictates of his conscience, take the life 



RfcV. JBSSE LEE. 35 

of an enemy, but let it be remembered that he consider- 
ed himself not only a Christian, but a preacher of the 
gospel of Christ ; believing that it was his duty to pro. 
claim the glad tidings of salvation to dying men, he 
could not violate the dictates of his conscience, in 
ghedding the blood of any man. 

His discharge from military duty was a plain indi- 
cation of the favourable interposition of Divine Provi- 
dence towards him ; and affords an encouragement to 
all to do their duty, in whatever circumstance of life 
they may be placed. 



CHAPTER IV. 



Exercises previous to his entering the Travelling Ministry - 
Attends the Virginia Conference at Ellis', but did not take 
an appointment — He finally consents to travel for a season. 

We noticed in the preceding chapter that he 
obtained his discharge on the 29th of October, and 
after taking an affectionate leave of his friends, com- 
menced his journey homeward. 

The country had been so much desolated by the 
marching of a hostile army that he found it extremely 
difficult, on more than one occasion, to procure a little 
bread for his subsistence. He was, however, fortu- 
nate enough at other times to fall in with kind and hos- 
pitable friends, who freely administered to his neces- 
sities. 

Saturday the 4th of November, he had the pleasure 
of saluting his dear relations at home, after an absence 
of three months and a half. We may easily imagine 
how grateful he was to God for bringing him once 
more to the enjoyment of domestic life. — lie had now 
an opportunity of visiting his numerous friends and 
relations, some of whom, since his departure, had 
been brought to the knowledge of the truth as it rs in 
Jesus : among whom were a sister and his brother, 
Nathaniel Lee ; this to him was a matter of great 
comfort. 

From this time until January 1781, he continued 
preaching at various appointments of his own. and 



38 MEMOIR OF THE 

attending the ministry of others whenever an oppor- 
tunity served. During the remaining part of the 
year he experienced many severe exercises of mind, 
owing principally to two causes. The first from an 
expectation of being called again to perform a military 
four : from this apprehension he was, however, soon 
relieved, although he had been drafted a second time. 
But the danger passed over, and the horrors of a 
protracted war began to subside, and the enemy retir- 
ing from that section of the country, he was suffered 
to remain in quiet. Notwithstanding his apprehen- 
sions were relieved on that score, his mind was much 
impressed from the belief that there was a greater 
work to which he would be called. 

It was frequently and forcibly impressed upon his 
mind that it was his duty to devote himself more 
entirely to the work of the ministry, or in other 
words, to resign himself to the travelling ministry. 

Mr. Lee had witnessed in some degree, the benefi- 
cial effects of the itinerating plan of spreading the 
gospel. Though the Methodists had but recently vis- 
ited the country, yet he had had an opportunity of hear- 
ing them, and of seeing the blessed effects of their min- 
istry in the revivals of religion heretofore mentioned. 
And by reading the scriptures he plainly saw that Chris- 
tianity was first promulgated by means of a travelling 
ministry. Under this view of things, and feeling his 
mind powerfully impressed that it was his duty to 
exert all his powers for the salvation of men, he was 
led towards the Methodist itinerating ministry. 

And who that reviews the last century but must be 
forcibly struck with the blessed effects of this method 
of spreading the knowledge of salvation by the remis- 
sion of sin ? Great Britain has arisen from a atate 



REV. JESSE LEE. S9 

of moral darkness to become light in the Lord. And 
these United States have been equally favoured with 
the transforming power of Divine Truth. Had the 
predictions of the enemies of Methodism been veri- 
fied, that " ridicule alone would put them down 
in a few years," thousands now in glory, w r ould doubt- 
less have been sunk in eternal wretchedness. 

That the Methodist preachers have had enemies to 
encounter is well known ; but it is equally well known 
that they have been greatly owned of God, having 
been instrumental of reviving evangelical principles 
and holiness, not only among their own people, but 
also among the various denominations of Christians ; 
so that even their enemies have been constrained to 
acknowledge the finger of God. Piety to God and 
zeal in the cause of Christ have long since become so 
characteristic of the Methodists, that any person, man- 
ifesting any unusual zeal for religion, is immediately, 
by way of reproach, branded with the epithet of Me- 
thodist. May they long continue to exemplify in their 
conduct, the truth and the purity of the doctrines and 
precepts of Christ. 

To these people Mr. Lee had already united him- 
self. With them hn found the fellowship of the saints. 
He believed their doctrine, and had commenced to 
enforce it upon the understandings and consciences of 
others. And he now began to feel that a dispensation 
of this gospel was committed unto him. But the 
thought of relinquishing the comforts of domestic life, 
and more especially of engaging in so important an 
undertaking, produced for a season, much anxiety and 
some hesitancy ; he therefore strove to content him- 
self in a more limited sphere of action until his waj 
-hould be made more plain. The following extracts 



40 MEMOIR OF THK 

from his journal will show the exercise of his mind at 
this time. 

" I had for some time been deeply exercised about 
travelling and preaching the gospel ; and at times, it 
appeared that I could not with a clear conscience 
resist the thought, and still was unwilling to go, fear- 
ing that I should injure the work of God, which J 
loved as I did my own life. I finally concluded that I 
would change my state,* supposing that I should then 
be freed from these exercises ; but when I made the 
attempt, I continued to pray, and prayed in earnest 
that if it was the will of God that I should ever be* 
called to the itinerant field > that I might not succeed : 
but by the intervention of some means, be prevented; 
I have often felt thankful to God that matters turned 
out for my spiritual advantage, and in this respect. 
believe that my prayers were answered. 

" My exercises about travelling and preaching still 
continue. I have been often solicited by the preach- 
ers to take a circuit, but am afraid that I shall hurt the 
cause of God, which I wish with all my heart to pro- 
mote. I feel willing to take up my cross and follow 
the Lord, but tremble at the thought of touching the 
ark of God too hastily." 

But his mind was more and more weaned from the 
world, and seemed to be gradually preparing for the 
work he had to do. And often, while delivering his 
message to his fellow men, the power of the Lord was 
felt in the assembly, and his ministry blessed to the 
awakening of sinners, and the consolation of believers. 

* At that stage of Methodism in the Virginia conference, a man 
incumbered with a family rarely ever moved out of a local sphere. 
This notion ha3 prevailed from that time to the present, not for want 
of means, but for the want of an inclination. Thus age and taleu- 
are fairly driven out of the conference in too many instances. 



REV. JESSE LEE. 41 

The following extract will show that the Lord was 
graciously pleased to add some seals to his ministry. 

" On Saturday 14th, I went to meeting at Robert 
Jones', but I did not get there till the sermon was 
over ; but was in time to be in the class meeting ; at 
the close of which a young man came to me, and 
taking me by the hand, told me that on the 12th of 
May last, he came to hear me preach, and w r as cut to 
the heart by my discourse ; from which he w r cnt home 
and could neither eat, or drink, or sleep, in peace 
until the 4th of June ; at w r hich time the Lord turned 
his mourning into rejoicing. I felt humbled in the 
dust, and praised the Lord* Well, thought I, if the 
Lord has blessed my labours in the conversion of one 
soul, I will try again, and preach for the Lord." 

Under these encouraging circumstances he discov- 
ered how amply the Lord rewarded him for his 
momentaiy toil, and felt resolved to trust all into his 
gracious hands. 

Thus we perceive that men may be called and 
qualified to preach the gospel, independently of what 
is called a classical education. To turn sinners from 
darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God., 
is the grand design of the Christian ministry. And 
ailhough human learning may qualify men to defend 
the outports of religion, that alone is not sufficient to 
qualify them for teaching sinners the way to heaven 
We do not mean to deprecate learning ; but in regard 
to the Christian ministry, it holds a secondary place 
to ex peri mental and practical religion. Those who 
are inwardly moved by the Holy Ghost to take upofj 
themselves this holy office, whether learned or 
unlearned, will sive evidence of their divine mission. 



42 MEMOIR OF THE 

by the success of their labours in bringing sinners tv 
the knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus. 

In April 1782, he attended the annual conference, 
which was held at Ellis' Chapel, in Sussex County, Va. 
At this conference there were present about thirty 
preachers. He was permitted to sit in the room 
while the preachers were transacting their business f 
except in the examination of characters. 

He was particularly struck with the spirit of har» 
mony and brotherly affection which prevailed through 
out the whole body present on that occasion. 
These amiable traits of the Christian character, have 
in every age of Christianity, done much for the 
advancement of pure and undefiled religion. 

The spirit which prevailed at this conference can* 
not be better described than in his own words. 

"The union and brotherly love which I saw among 
the preachers, exceeded every thing I had ever seen 
before, and caused me to wish that I was worthy to 
have a place amongst them. When they took leave 
of each other, I observed that they embraced each 
other in their arms, and wept as though they nevev 
expected to meet again. Had the heathens been 
there, they might have well said, ' see how thess 
Christians love one another 1' By reason of what I 
saw and heard during the four days that the confe- 
rence sat, I found my heart truly humbled in the dust, 
and my desires greatly increased to love and serve 
God more perfectly than I had ever done before. 

" At the close of the conference, Mr. Asbury came 
to me and asked me if I was willing to take a circuit ; 
I told him that I could not well do it, but signified I 
was at a loss to know ivhat was best for me to do. I 
<vas afraid of hurting the cause whfch I wished to pro- 



REV". JESSE LE£. 4 D 

inote ; for I was very sensible of my own weakness : 
at last he called to some of the preachers standing in 
the yard a little way off, and said, ■ I am going to enlist 
brother Lee :' one of them replied, * what bounty do 
you give V he answered, 'grace here, and glory here- 
after will be given if he is faithful!' 

"Some of the preachers then talked to me and per- 
suaded me to go, but I trembled at the thought, am! 
shuddered at the cross, and did not at that time con- 
sent." 

From the time he attended the conference at Ellis* 
until November following, he employed his time in 
preaching and attending to the arrangement of his 
temporal concerns, in order that he might, at any time, 
be able to obey the will of God. 

November 3d. — At a quarterly meeting, being much 
persuaded by the preachers to travel a circuit, he 
gave his consent to travel half a quarter, having now 
determined to make a trial for a few weeks, and leave 
all, to follow the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Having attended a few appointments on what I sup^ 
pose wa3 then called Sussex Circuit, he received a 
tetter from the presiding elder, Caleb Peddicord, 
requesting him to accompany E. Drumgoole to that 
part of North Carolina which lies to the North and 
West of Edenton. for the purpose of forming a new 
circuit. 



CHAPTER V. 



He goes in company with Mr. Druin^oole to form a new Cil 
cuit — Some trials and exercises about travelling — Quaker 
hospitality — Formed a Circuit called Campden — Concluding 
Remarks. 

HAVING now given his consent to enter more fully 
into the work of the ministry, he concluded to embrace 
the openings of Providence, and if the Lord was with 
him to continue, and if not, to return home. 

Some difficulties occuring at this time which, in 
after life would have appeared comparatively triflinr* 
almost damped his ardour; and he was tempted to 
relinquish the undertaking, when he was barely upon 
the threshold. But meeting with his colleague, like 
Paul who met the brethren at the three taverns, he 
took courage and boldly resolved to prosecute his 
journey. Mr. Drumgoole and himself arrived in 
Edenton on the 1st of December. The first person 
with whom they formed an acquaintance was Parson 
Pettigrew, With him they attended church on that 
day, and after Mr. Pettigrew had read the morning 
service, Mr. Drumgoole gave an exhortation ; and by 
permission, made an appointment to preach at the 
place the next day. That night they were comforta- 
bly entertained by the parson, who was thought by the 
people to be a pious man. The next day they attended 
the appointment which had been made the preceding 
day, and Mr. Drumgoole preached to an attentive con* 
gregation. 



46 MEMOIR OF THE 

Leaving Edenton, they pursued their journey, in 
order to find some others who were willing to receive 
them as the messengers of Christ, and to hear the 
word of life dispensed. The adventures of that day 
were somewhat singular, and in the sequel served to 
give Mr. Lee some idea of that plainness of address 
which is characteristic of the people called Friends. 
After travelling all day, and night coming on apace- 
they stopped at the house of a Quaker, and asked him 
if they could be permitted to tarry with him that night, 
"If you choose to get down, (said the honest Quaker,; 
I will not turn you away." This blunt reply quite 
confounded young Lee, who for a while doubted 
whether he could trust his hospitality or not, but as 
it was no time for ceremony, they dismounted, went 
in, and strove to make themselves welcome, and 
indeed they found that he was not lacking in that hos- 
pitality for which their sect has ever been noted. 

Before the guests retired to bed, they begged per- 
mission to pray in the family. — "If you I ive a mind 
to pray, (says the Quaker,) I will leave the room: v 
and accordingly went out and pulling the door after 
3iim, left them to enjoy their devotions in their own 
way. 

The subjoined extracts will show more distinctly 
the success of their mission. 

44 Wednesday 4th of December, we rode early in 
the morning, crossed Pasquotank River, and came to 
]\ir. Jones', at the Plank Bridge. 

44 A little after dark when the people, bearing 
that we were preachers, came and requested us 
to preach, and notice being given, we had about thirh 
people collected in the course of an hour, and £. 
Drumgoole preached to them. The people were. 
solemn, and appeared to be desirous for us to come 



KEV. JESSE LEE. 4 1 

among? I them again, as they had but little opportunity 
of hearing preaching. 

"Saturday 7th, we attended at brother Halstead's, 
Norfolk County, Virginia. E. Drumgoole preached 
and I gave an exhortation. Some of these people had 
formerly been in society with the Methodists, and the 
circuit preachers came regularly among them; but 
during the revolutionary war, the preachers left them, 
and they were without preaching for about five years ; 
but they waited and prayed for the preachers to come 
among them again, and for some time they have been 
favoured with regular preaching. 

"Sunday 8th. — At the North-west Brick Church. 
E. Drumgoole preached to a large concourse of peo- 
ple, who were very attentive, and somewhat affected, 
— I was pleased with the congregation. 

" Tuesday 10th, we came to an old church where 
E. Drumgoole preached, and I exhorted, — we had a 
profitable time together. We then went to Colonel 
William's and stayed all night. The Colonel is a man 
who fears God, and was well pleased at our calling to 
see him. 

"Friday 13th, E. Drumgoole preached ?t a place 
called Indian Town, and I gave an exhortation — we 
had a large house full of attentive hearers—- my sou; 
was much comforted at that time, and I felt glad to be 
:here. 

"We then left Currituck County — crossed North 
River- — dined at Mrs. Lamb's, who was a Baptist, who 
treated us kindly. We then came to General Giw 
vy's, and at night in his dwelling house, we had a lat 
congregation, although the weather was very cold. 

" Saturday Hth, we came to Sawyer's and held 
meeting; we had a solemn time, and I believe good 
vvas done, 



48 MEMOIR OF THE 

V4 Sunday 15th, at Ptiver Bridge, where we bad a 
large compan}' of well behaved people to hear the 
word of eternal life : it was a solemn and profitable 
time. 

"Wednesday 18th, E. Drumgoole preached at 
Yeopin Church, to a large congregation of attentive 
hearers; we then rode home with the Rev. Mr. Pet- 
tigrew near Edenton, and spent the night with him. 
Our journey in the lowlands from Edenton to Norfolk 
County in Virginia, and back again, has taken sixteen 
days, in which time we have had nineteen meetings, 
chiefly among people who were not acquainted with 
fhe Methodists ; but the general wish was that we 
should return again; and we so far succeeded in our 
plan as to form a circuit, which was called Campden. 
I felt thankful to God for the privilege of visiting that 
strange people, and I had no doubt but our labours 
were acceptable to God, and profitable to the people/' 

After having formed the outlines of a circuit in a part 
of the world which had been so long destitute of the 
means of grace, they left it with the expectation that 
others would be sent to fill up the intermediate places- 

Mr. Lee then proceeded to visit his father, and to 
«pend a few days among those with whom he had 
passed the days of his childhood : and from that time 
until the setting of the Virginia conference he did not 
travel regularly. He continued at his father's about 
two months, during which time he was by no means 
idle. When he was not employed in preaching or 
attending the ministry of others, he was labouring 
with his own hands, or as he termed it, " was busy at 
work." He was frequently entreated both by word 
and letter to go into a circuit, and give himself 
entirety to the work of the ministry, but he was fern- 



REV. JESSE LEE. 49 

ful of undertaking in so important a work hastily. 
He besought the Lord to teach and direct him in the 
right way. He concluded finally that he would get all 
things in readiness, and attend the conference, and 
then if he should see his way clear, to go, and if not, 
to give up the idea altogether. 

Suspense is always painful. And while the mind 
hangs quivering in suspense upon a question involving 
such important consequences as does that of engaging 
in the work of the Christian ministry, it produces the 
most exquisite sensations, " To go, or not to go," was 
now the question to be decided in Mr, Lee's mind. 
And all his hesitancy upon this subject evinces a mind 
conscientiously desiring to do that which is lawful and 
right in the sight of God. And those who mark the 
result of his choice, will not doubt but that he was 
ultimately directed by the wisdom which cometh from 
above. We pretend not to decide on the motives of 
those who may have declined their ministerial labour 
for some more easy employment. Whether it was 
owing to their want of zeal, or to the backwardness 
of the people to afford them a competent support, it 
is to be lamented that so many have forsaken the field 
of labour, and devoted themselves to secular pursuits. 
So did not Jesse Lee. His ardent soul, filled with 
love to God and man, continually thirsted for the sal- 
vation of men. Of this he gave full proof in all the 
subsequent acts of his life. 



CHAPTER VI. 



He attends Conference at Ellis' Meeting House— Appointed to 
Caswell — Goes to Amelia, from thence to Sussex Circuit — 
He is blessed in his own soul, and his labours made a blessing 
to others. 

IN a work like the present, where brevity is. one 
important consideration with the compiler, it will not 
be expected that every incident of the life of the sub- 
ject of this memoir can be noticed. The principal 
object of the writer is to exhibit those virtues which 
adorned his life, and to follow him through his minis- 
terial labours, if not step by step, yet in such a man- 
ner as always to keep him in view, without attempting 
to deviate materially from the track. The daily occur- 
rences of a man's life can hardly interest or edify the 
public, when there is a sameness in the details ; there 
must be some variety, or the narrative becomes tedi- 
ous and dull, and the reader either hurries through 
the pages, or lays aside the volume in disgust. 

There is a fondness for the marvellous in most 
readers which leads them to look for something of an 
extraordinary nature in every work which they attempt 
to peruse. It should be recollected, however, that in 
following the track of an itinerating minister who 
travelled so extensively as Jesse Lee did, that there 
must necessarily be some diversity of incident, some 
variation in the scenery, and some striking interposi- 
tions of Divine Providence and grace. But it is not 



&2 MEMOIR OF THE 

necessary that there should be difficulties at every 
step. Our materials are drawn from real life, and 
therefore we are not allowed to make fiction appear 
like truth, for the purpose of gratifying the vitiated 
tastes of the admirers of novel and romance. 

We shall find in the sequel, that the subject of this 
memoir, after finding out what was his duty, never fail- 
ed to perform it, however crossing to his inclinations : 
that, although he did not court danger, yet he never 
fled from it, but patient and persevering in the dis- 
charge of his duty, he looked to God as the great 
arbiter of all his actions ; and expected a reward 
from him, and him alone. 

Every step taken by Mr. Lee, relative to his enter- 
ing the itinerant field, was taken with due cautionand 
circumspection, fearing lest he should "run before 
he was sent." But having at length made up his 
mind to make the trial, he accordingly attended the 
conference held at Ellis' Meeting House in Sussex, 
which commenced its sitting on the 7th of May, 1783. 

At this conference he consented to take an appoint- 
ment, " notwithstanding (says he,) I have had ten 
years experience as a Christian, and have been a 
public speaker more than five years, I trembled at 
the thought of the station I was about to fill." 

The business of conference was conducted in great 
peace and harmony, and in three days it was brought 
to a close, and all were ready to go to the places 
assigned them — he was appointed to Caswell Circuit, 
North Carolina. Caswell at this time was but a moral 
wilderness : it had been but recently taken under 
the superintendance of the Methodists, who were 
resolved to take in as much ground as they could con- 
veniently cultivate. This wilderness has since, in 



REV. JESSE LEE. 53 

many places, blossomed as the rose ; and many in 
that section of the Lord's vineyard, have been brought 
to the knowledge of the truth through the instrumen- 
tality of the Methodists, some of whom have gone to 
receive the reward of their labours, in the church 
triumphant. 

We shall here take the liberty of noticing what 
was to him a singular phenomenon. 

On Sunday the 25th of May, he preached in 
the morning at Mrs, Heath's, and in the afternoon at 
Tatum's. On his way to the latter place he saw a 
large meteor or ball of fire, shoot from the N. East 
towards the S. West. It appeared to move slowly 
in a horizontal direction for many miles, and then 
passed out of his view below the horizon. What con- 
tributed to make it more remarkable was, that the sun 
shone quite clear at the time. Several minutes after 
the meteor disappeared, he heard a loud noise resem- 
bling distant thunder. 

The pious mind makes every occurrence of Provi- 
dence, whether in the kingdom of nature or grace, a 
lesson of instruction. And though many of the phe- 
nomenae of nature, as to their cause and ends, elude 
the scrutinies of philosophy, they all proclaim, in the 
ear of the scientific Christian, the majesty of the 
Great Supreme. Even the meteors that shoot through 
the air, by their evanescent appearance, may remind 
us of the momentary enjoyments we derive from pre- 
sent objects ; while the fixed stars, " Those mighty 
orbs," may serve to fix our attention upon those per- 
manent and perpetual enjoyments which are at the 
right-hand of God. 

In a few weeks after Mr. Lee had received his 
appointment from conference, he took leave of his 

6 * 



M MEMOIR OF THE 

weeping relatives, and commenced his journey towards 
his circuit : in travelling thither he had the satisfaction 
of seeing one who professed to have obtained the for- 
giveness of her sins when only ten years of age. At 
the time he saw her, she had professed religion three 
years, and still held to her integrity ; her mind was 
more than ordinarily enlightened for one of her age ; 
she prayed in the family when called upon, and was 
happy in the enjoyment of religion. How blessed are 
they who are early taught in the school of Christ! and 
before evil habits get an ascendency, receive the 
impressions of the Holy Spirit, and grow up in the fear 
and love of God. 

He continued his journey, and on the 23d of June, 
arrived within the bounds of his circuit. Upon exami- 
nation he found it only a part of a circuit taken 
off from another ; and as there were two preachers 
appointed to travel this remnant of a circuit, it wag 
necessary that they should enlarge their borders by 
taking in new preaching places. 

He commenced his appointments on the 26th, at the 
widow Parker's; " where (says he,) I preached to a 
few people, most of whom were called out of the har- 
vest field," without having time to adjust either the 
mind or the body, as we may suppose, " and the day 
being warm and the people much fatigued, they were in 
poor order for attending a place of worship." 

The following day he was much exercised in mind 
on account of some disorderly members, and was from 
that, as well as from other circumstances, so much dis- 
couraged that he was almost inclined to return to his 
father's again. A step which, candour obliges me to 
<«ay, would have been very unjustifiable had he taken 
it. Happy for him and for thousands that he got the 



REV. JESSE LEE. 55 

better of those unpleasant feelings, and was enabled to 
persevere in his work. 

Sunday 29th, he preached at Parish's Meeting 
House, where he felt his soul quickened and his spirit 
much revived. The following Tuesday he preached 
at the same place, and enjoyed more inward satisfac- 
tion in speaking, than he had for some time ; the 
people were considerably affected under the word, and 
he believed thatjGod had not forgotten to be gracious. 

Upon trial it was found that the circuit was not 
large enough for two preachers, and it was thought 
most expedient for one to remove; and accordingly as 
Mr. Lee was the junior preacher, he was sent to 
travel Amelia Circuit ; he was by no means displeas- 
ed with this arrangement, and left the circuit after 
having travelled it only three weeks. 

We here subjoin some extracts from his journal. 

" Sunday 20th of July, I preached at Whitaker's, 
(Roan Oak Circuit,) and the congregation wept under 
the word preached. When we met the class, the 
power and presence of the Lord was among us, and 
many cried aloud. I was so deeply affected that I 
could not speak, till ] had stopped and wept for some 
time. I preached again at night, and the people wept 
greatly, 

" Monday 21. — We had a very lively meeting at 
brother Young's in the day, and again at night, 
where there were about forty members in society, 
and none of them professed to be converted except 
the leader of the class, but many of the mourners 
were deeply distressed on account of their sins. 

u Tuesday 22d, we had meeting at Low's, and the 
next day at John Clayton's, then went up into Warren 
County, where I met with John Easter, and held meet- 



OO MEMOIR OF THE 

ing at Wm. Jean's ; the next day we came to Benja- 
min Doale's in Halifax County, where John Easter 
preached a profitable sermon. 

* Sunday 27th, we held meeting at Jones' Chapel ; 
the next day at brother Lock's ; the day following at 
Richard Whitaker's, and the two following days at 
Tar-River Church. We had a good deal of life among 
us at these meetings. 

"Saturday 16th, and Sunday 17th of August, I 
attended a quarterly meeting at the Tabernacle, Roan 
Oak Circuit. The first day we had two sermons, and 
the next day we had a lively love feast. Then I 
preached, J. O. Kelly preached and J. Easter exhorted. 
It was indeed a day of the Lord's power, and many 
souls were comforted. One young man was awakened 
by the sermon which I preached, who afterwards 
became a travelling preacher.* 

" At this quarterly meeting the preachers concluded 
that it would be best for me to go to Amelia Circuit in 
Virginia, and fill the place of a preacher that could 
not travel any longer. I willingly consented ; I crossed 
Roan Oak River to T. Jones', and tarried all night. 
The next day I parted with several of the preachers, 
and set off to my father's, where 1 arrived safe on 
Wednesday afternoon. 

" Sunday 24. — I came to Amelia Circuit, and tra- 
velled on somewhat successfully until the middle of 
February, 1784. 

Thursday December 25th he has these remarks : 

" This day the people came out at Thompson's, and 

we had a comfortable meeting ; and my soul was much 

comforted in preaching to a people who had but little 

religion, and it was a solemn, profitable time to the 

hearers. 

* Mark Moore. 



REV, JESSE LEE. 57 

" At the close of the year I looked back on the 
many trials through which I had passed, and took a 
view of the many blessings conferred on my soul, and 
was truly thankful to God. The Lord give me grace 
to spend my strength, my talents and my life to his glory. 
Amen. 

" Saturday 31st, I preached at Mr. Spain's withgreal 
liberty to a good congregation, and the Spirit of the 
Lord came upon us, and we were bathed in tears — I 
wept — and so loud were the people's cries, that I could 
scarcely be heard, though I spoke very loud. I met 
the class — most of the members expressed a great desire 
for holiness of heart and life, and said they were deter- 
mined to seek for perfect love. 

" Sunday 1st of February, I preached at Coleman's 
with life and liberty, to a weeping congregation. When 
I met the class, we were highly favoured of the Lord, 
with a comfortable sense of his love shed abroad in our 
hearts ; the brethren wept, and praised God together ; 
I was constrained to praise God aloud for his goodness 
towards me ; I was indeed very happy* 

"Saturday 14th. — We held our quarterly meeting 
for Amelia Circuit, at old father Patrick's' — we had a 
good meeting for the first day. On Sunday morning we 
had a happy love feast ; at which time I wept much, 
and prayed earnestly that the Lord would take every 
evil temper and every wrong desire out of my heart, 
and fdl my soul with perfect love. I felt the pain of 
parting with my friends in that circuit, among whom 
I had been labouring for six months ; I bade them fare- 
well, and went to Sussex to travel the next quarter. 

44 Wednesday 18th, I took my place in Sussex Circuit, 
and preached at my father's house, from Luke xix. 10. 
For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that 



58 MEMOIR OF THE 

which was lost. It was a solemn day with me, and I 
felt a constant breathing after the Lord, and a longing 
desire to love him with all my heart. O Lord ! hasten 
to my relief, and grant me the desire of my heart, for 
thy mercies' sake, 

" The next day I preached at the widow Heath's, 
and the day following, at a place called The College : 
the day after I preached at Howel's Chapel, where the 
Lord was pleased once more to visit my soul ; I spoke 
with many tears, and was very happy — the hearers 
wept greatly — it was a time of refreshing from the pre- 
sence of the Lord. When I met the class, the people 
could hardly speak for weeping. It was a precious day 
to my soul. When I arose in the morning, I spent 
some time in walking about, meditating, and in earnest 
prayer. After a while I went into the woods and sat 
down, and began to reflect on what the Lord had done 
for my soul ; and then began to think what He was still 
willing to do for me, till I wept before him. My cry 
was, " glory to God for ever ;" he is the joy of my 
heart all the day long ; the cry of my soul was, 

* 1 want no sharer of my heart, 
To rob my Saviour of a part." 

" Sunday 22d, I preached at Ellis' Meeting House 
to a few people, and felt my soul all on fire of love. 
The next day I held meeting at Bednefield's, and the 
day after at Mr. Warren's. In the afternoon as I was 
going home with one of the friends, he told me that the 
Lord had, not long since, sanctified his soul : his looks 
and his words satisfied me that he felt what he said : I 
was so deeply affected at the relation he gave me, that 
I wept heartily as I rode along the road. Glory to God 
for his goodness to my poor soul. 



REV. JESSE LEE. 59 

M Sunday 29th, I preached at Lane's Meeting House, 
and at night we held a watch night, at Evans'. I 
laboured hard that day, and was greatly blessed in my 
labours ; the people were lively in religion, and 1 was 
happy in God. I have had very few meetings of late, 
that could be called barren ; for 1 have been much 
blessed in private, and in public ; and have had, gene- 
rally, much communion with God. 

" Sunday 7th of March, I preached at Robert Jones', 
to a serious congregation, and blessed be God, i( was a 
happy time, and the Lord was among us of a truth. In 
the evening I went to Wm. Oliver's, to see Thomas 
Chew, a travelling preacher, who was sick. 

" Friday 12th, was my birth- day. This day I was 
twenty-six years old, and have enjoyed religion about 
eleven years ; and I thank God for the peace and 
comfort I still find in my soul, 1 feel as much as ever 
determined to spend my life in the service of God, 
and to live and die a Christian. 

Cl Saturday 20th, I preached at Howel's Chapel, from 
Ezek. xxxiii 11. " Say unto them, as I live, saith 
the Lord," &c. It was to me a time of uncommon 
comfort. When I came to the last part of the text, 
and to show what Christ had done for the people 
that they might not die, many of the hearers wept, 
and some of them cried aloud. I saw so clearly that 
the Lord was willing to bless the people, even while 
I was speaking, that I began to feel distressed for 
them, and at last I burst into tears, and could not 
speak for some moments ; after stopping and weeping 
for some time, I began again, but had spoken but a 
little while, before the cries of the people overcame 
me, and I wept with them, so that I could not speak ; 
I found that love had tears as well as grief. My 
full heart was constrained to cry, 



60 MEMOIR OF THE 

" No pain, no suffering I decline, 
Only let all my heart be thine." 

" I continued to preach with much liberty for a 
few days after, but by exerting myself too much, and 
travelling in the snow, and wet weather, I took a 
severe cold, and w T as scarcely able to travel to my 
appointments ; and for several days, I was not able 
to preach, but would give a short exhortation, 
meet the class, and dismiss the people. 

" Friday 2d April, I preached at Jordon Richard- 
son's, to a few people. I found it a considerable 
cross to preach, as brother T. S. Chew was present ; 
but I considered that Christ died on the cross, and 
that I must die under the cross, if ever I get to 
heaven. I felt much concerned for the salvation of 
the people, and was happy among them. The next 
day I preached at Wm. Richardson's, where the 
Lord was pleased to communicate great grace to our 
souls ; many of the society were in tears when I 
met the class. Surely the Lord was in that place* 
and I w r as truly happy ; and yet my cry was still, 
u 'Tis worse than death my God to love, 
And not my God alone." 

"Sunday 4th, I preached at Robert Jones', to a 
serious company of people, and had liberty among 
them ; but the severe cold I have laboured under for 
some time, has bowed down my spirits, so that I can 
neither read, nor write, nor meditate, with as much sat- 
isfaction as usual. I have lately found my soul much 
blessed by reading the life of Mr, Walsh. 

April 9th, being Good Friday, I preached at Per- 
kin's ; and while I was speaking of the sufferings of 
Christ, I had a comfortable view of him by faith, as 
hanging oa the cross, and bleeding and dying for me. 



REV. JESSE LEE. 6i 

Glory be to God ! that I did fee! a sincere love to the 
Lord Jesus : O, that I may love him with all my 
heart ; and serve him all my days." 

During the whole of this month he was able to 
attend his appointments, and preach to his hearers, in 
the power and demonstration of the Spirit. — He felt a 
continual hungering and thirsting after righteousness. 
One meeting which he attended on the 21st, deserves 
to be mentioned ; he preached at Howls' : — " Here, 
(he observes,) while I was speaking, I was so sensi- 
ble of its being the will of God that we should be 
sanctified, that I was ready to believe that God would 
destroy sin both root and branch. I lifted up my soul 
to God in prayer, and with tears in my eyes ; and 
blessed be God, I felt him near, very near to my souJ ; 
my faith and confidence in God was much strength- 
ened. The friends wept much, and some of them 
said they had been seeking perfect love by works, 
but they were determined now to seek it by faith, and 
"by faith alone." 

The spirit of piety, humility, and zeal, which is 
breathed in the preceding extracts, will not fail to 
make them acceptable to the truly pious. And who 
that reads them attentively, will not feel a desire to 
attain io that heavenly-mindedness which was in a 
good degree, acquired by the subject of this memoir? 
And who that preaches the gospel of the lowly Jesus, 
would not like him, feel for his congregation, and 
weep over them, while pointing to the Lamb of God, 
whose blood cleanseth from all sin ? 



< IIAPTER \II. 



Attends Conference at Ellis' — Is appointed to Salisbury — Hi- 
Labours are blessed — Has a narrow escape with his life — 
Visits his Friends in Virginia — Returns to his Circuit — Meet 
with Mr. Asbury — Accompanies him to Charleston — Returns 
to Salisbury — Has a sorrowful parting with his Friends. 

X HE Virginia Conference for the year 1784, wa* 
held at Ellis' Meeting House, and commenced the 
30th of April. Three conferences had been suces- 
sively held at this place; which circumstance reflected 
much credit upon the people of the neighbourhood at 
that time ; who spared no pains in aiding the cause of 
God, and opening their houses to the ministers of the 
gospel. 

Among the ministers who attended the conference 
at Ellis', was the Rev. D. Jarratt, who, although a 
minister of the Protestant Episcopal Church, was dis- 
posed to assist the Methodists, both by his advice and by 
his zealous labours, at all times when convenient. Hi- 
piety and humility, were such as to endear him to all 

lie sincere followers of Christ. The power of the 
God of Elijah generally attended his ministry ; and 
at that time, the Methodists, having no ordained 
ministers, found the services of Mr. J. peculiarh 
Acceptable ; as from him they could receive the ordi 
winces of the Lord's Supper, and baptism. Often di< 

he Methodists, in that day, listen with pleasure to the 
doctrine which fell from his lips, and joyfully assem 
around the table of the Lord to receive from hl^ 



64 MEMOIR OF THE 

hands the blessed memorials of the death of ouv 
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 

From this Conference Mr, Lee received an 
appointment to Salisbury Circuit, North Carolina, 
After visiting his relations as usual, he set out on hie 
journey, in order to enter upon the work assigned 
him. 

On the 9th of June, he was enabled to reach hi? 
circuit, and on Saturday the 1 2th, met Isaac Smith, 
his colleague, at Salisbury, where they had an appoint- 
ment to preach. — He observed, " that there was a 
society of truly affectionate Chistians in that town/' 
While here, he was induced to visit the spot where 
the army encamped in 1780 ; at which period he was 
confined to the company of wicked men, but now by 
his own consent, on a very different errand, among 
religious friends, to teach them the way of the Lord 
more perfectly. 

In entering upon his field of labour, he met with 
great encouragement ; first, inasmuch as he had an 
opportunity generally, of meeting large congregations, 
who appeared anxious to hear the word of eternal 
life. Secondly, the Lord graciously condescended to 
own the word preached, to the comfort of believers, 
and to the awakening of sinners. Thirdly, his own 
soul was frequently comforted and blessed, while- 
striving to benefit others by his public labours, 
Under such encouraging circumstances, it is not to be 
supposed that he would faint or tire by the way. 

The reader may judge by the following extracts, of 
the success of his ministry, and the dealings of God 
with his own soul. 

" Sunday 13th, I preached at Hern's, to a large 
company of solemn hearers. While I was speaking 



REV. JESSE I 

he Jove of God, I felt so much of that love in m} 
•>wn soul, that I burst into a flood of tears, and conic 
speak no more for seme time, but stood and wept. J 
then began again ; but was so much overcome, that I 
had to stop and weep several times before I finished 
my subject. — There were very few dry eyes in the 
house. O my God ! what am I that thou art mindful 
of me ? It was a cross to me to come to this circuit, 
but now I feel assured that the Lord will be with, and 
-upport me. 

" The next day I preached at brother Carter's, 
vhere I spoke 5 with many tears, to a weeping congre 
nation. 

"Wednesday 16th, I preached at John Randall's, 
with some liberty. The man of the house was always 
-leaf and dumb ; yet can pronounce the name of his 
wife, and the name of his brother very distinctly : but 
1 could not learn that he ever uttered any other word, 
He is esteemed a pious man, and by signs, will give o 
good experience of grace, both of his conviction, con- 
version, and of his progress in the service of the Lord : 
of the pleasing hope he has of heaven when he leaves 
this world. 

" Thusday 17th I preached at C. Leadbetlers on 
Amos iv. 12. * Prepare to meet thy God, O Israel!' 
I bless God for that meeting, my heart was greatly 
affected, and my eyes overflowed with tears. Toward? 
?he end of my discourse, the hearers were so much 
wrought upon, that I was in hopes of seeing some of 
:hem converted before the close of the meeting. 

" Sunday 20th, I preached at Coles, but the con- 
gregation was so large, that the house would not hold 
hem, of course we had to look for another place ; 
got under the shade of some trees, where I spoke 
7* 



66 MEMOIR OF TUt 

with great freedom, and with a heart drawn out in 
love to the souls of the people ; and I felt a longing 
desire to be instrumental in bringing their souls to 
God. When I met the class, the friends wept great- 
ly, while they heard each other tell of the goodness 
of God to their souls. The comfort I felt on serving 
God that day would make amends for the sufferings 
of a thousand troubles — let the people praise thee, O 
God ! let all the people praise thee. 

" The day following I was sent for by Mrs. Parks ; 
I went over to see her, and found her very ill, and 
as I thought near her end ; but she was not prepared 
to die. I talked to her about her soul's welfare, and 
she wept and sai d she was not prepared for death — 
she continued to cry, and pray for near an hour ; and 
we prayed with her : after which she began to ex- 
claim against herself saying '* I was once near death, 
and I promised God that if he would raise me up, I 
would serve him, but as soon as I recovered my 
health I became as careless as ever. 5 In a short time 
tier hands, and (eet y became cold. She then talked 
to her husband, and said, ' don't grieve for me we can- 
not stay together always, and I am going first ; don't do 
as I have done, by putting off repentance for a death 
bed.' — She then desired some one to call in one of 
her near neighbours, who quickly came in, she said, 
5 I wanted to see you, I have thought there was some 
Coldness between us, and I want to die in peace with 
all persons.' They soon made friends : she then 
charged her husband to bring up her children in the 
fear of the Lord, and be sure to keep them from 
breaking] the sabbath. Her words were so affecting 
that I believe there was not one in the house that 
could refrain from tears. I could not bear the thoughts 



REV. JESSE LEE, 6. 

of her (tying unprepared : I therefore knelt down 
and prayed for her again, and wept before the Lord, 
and besought him to pardon her sins, before she was 
taken out of the world. After prayer she looked 
more lively, and from that time, began to revive, 
although a little before her hands and feet were cold 
and stiff, and she appeared to be in the agonies ot 

death."— 

From the foregoing we may learn, First, how dan- 
gerous it is to put off repentance to a sick bed* 
Secondly, that after having made a solemn promise 
to serve God, we should never violate that promise : 
God will not be mocked, although he may bear long 
with us. Thirdly, we see the power and efficacy of 
prayer, and the mercy of God extended 'in bringing 
one from the gates of death, prolonging the day of 
probation, and giving time and space to repent.— 
Surely God is merciful and gracious, long suffering, 
plenteous in goodness and truth, and willeth not 
that we should perish, but that all should come tc 
repentence and live. 

" Wednesday, 23d, (he observed) I preached at 
what is called Jersey Meeting House ; we had a good 
meeting, and I was happy in God while I was speak- 
ing. When I had finished Colonel G — s' wife came 
to me u and began to cry, and said ' I am the worst 
creature in the world ; my heart is so hard I don't 
know what to do,' and begged me to pray for her, 1 
hope she is not far from the kingdom of God." 

Although he was generally blessed with a great de 
gree of liberty, in preaching, yet sometimes his mind 
was somewhat beclouded, and to use his own word^ 
44 put to it to get along with his subject. " Does not 
God for wise purposes suffer this, to bring his minis 
ters to a sense of their own weakness, to prevent 



08 MEMOIR OF THE 

Ibemfrom trusting in their own strength, or the abili 
ties which they possess ? But these clouds, were not 
suffered long to hover over his mind ; they were 
dispelled by the Spirit of God which giveth light, and 
liberty to the humble, who feel willing to acknow- 
ledge their weakness and rely on him for strength. 

" Tuesday, August 10th. I preached at Tillman's, 
and felt an ardent desire to be of some service to the 
souls of the people. There was a gracious move 
among the hearers, and before I got through my dis- 
course, I wept over my audience for some time ; 
none but God knows what I felt at that time ; my 
heart was ready to break with grief on the account of 
poor sinners, who were perishing in their sins. In 
many cases, it appeared as if I could preach till 1 
dropped dead in the pulpit, if it would be the means 
of bringing souls to the knowledge of God : my heart 
cried out, ' O Lord ! revive thy work in the midst 
of the year,' 

" Sunday, September 5th, I preached at a new 
meeting house to a large company of attentive hear- 
ers, and continued to speak for an hour and a half, 
although in a weak and feeble state ; the people wept 
greatly, and one woman professed to be converted. 

" Monday October 4th, I preached at Costus ; 
where, after sermon, we held a love feast, and were 
greatly blessed together: all eyes were bathed in 
tears. An old man present, who was seeking the 
Lord, but had never been converted, rose up and 
spoke, in a most melting manner, and with teats 
streaming from his eyes observed. * I am almost 
ready to depart this life, and am not prepared to die, 
and you may judge how I feel!' Blessed be God it 
was a day of comfort to my soul : the language of 



REV. JESSE LEE.- CO 

my heart was, O my God ! let me die, rather than 
grieve thy Spirit, or wound thy cause, but may I be 
for God/' 

A few days after the date of the above extract he 
experienced a very singular display of providence,, 
in the preservation of his life. Crossing Yadkin 
Hiver, it being deep, the current strong, and he 
not being well acquainted with the ford, he presently 
found himself among cragged rocks which were con • 
cealed from his view by the darkness of the waters 
this was a critical juncture ; for one moment his horse 
was swimming, then plunging over the points of rug- 
ged rocks ; while Mr. Lee, was incumbered with a 
great coat, with his saddle bags on his arm, and being 
but an indifferent swimmer, he had but little expec- 
tion of being delivered from the danger which then 
threatened hirn ; but through the good providence oi 
God he was brought through unhurt, and his life 
preserved for future usefulness. 

Shortly after this he visited his relations in Vir- 
ginia and North Carolina, and then returned to his 
circuit again. 

Some time previous to his visit to Virginia, he 
had experienced considerable affliction of body, which 
rendered his travelling painful, and in many instan- 
ces dangerous. On one occasion he was taken so vio- 
lently ill on the road that some of the company 
despaired of his life, but under these afflictions he 
still retained strong faith in Christ ; believing that 
they were sanctified for his good. 

On the 12th of December, he received an official 
note informing him that Messrs. Coke, Whatcoat, and 
Vasey, had arrived on the American shores, dele- 
gated with powers from Mr, Wesley to call a r^^- 



70 MEMOIR OF THE 

ence for the purpose of transacting business of great 
importance to the societies in this country. Th^ 
conference was appointed to be held in Baltimore, 
to commence its sitting the 25th of December* 

In consequence of the very short notice given to 
some of the preachers in the more remote parts oi 
the work, they were unable to attend at the time ap- 
pointed. This was the situation in which Mr. Lee 
was placed at this time. He received the notice 
only twelve days before the commencement of the 
session, and it was then in a season of the year, 
the most unfavourable for travelling ; and being 
the distance of five hundred miles he could not, in 
his poor state of health, possibly attend. He con- 
cluded therefore, that it would be most prudent fol- 
ium to remain on his curcuit, and labour for the 
«;ood of souls, as much as the state of his health 
would admit He commenced the first day of the 
year 1785, with new resolutions of soul to dedicate 
himself more entirely to the service of God. Upon 
retrospecting his life, he found by blessed experience 
that he had made some progress in the knowledge and 
love of God. And yet he desired more than ever to 
be dedicated to his service. While soliciting divine 
assistance he was enabled to discover how much he 
stood in need of it ; for the frequent affliction to 
which he was then subject warned him of the neces 
sity of being always ready. 

About the first of February he had the satisfaction 
>f meeting with Mv. Asbury, who, at the late confer- 
ence held in Baltimore, had been ordained General 
Superintendant in conjunction with Dr. Coke, who 
had received that appointment from Mr. Wesley. 
This may properly be considered an important 
f in the annals of Methodism, Hitherto tbe 



REV. JESSE LEE. 4 I 

Methodists had beerTconsidered only as Societies, des- 
titute of the orders, and of course of the ordinances of 
?he Church ; but at this memorable conference, they 
were constituted under the title of " The Methodist 
Episcopal Church." 

The first interview which he had with Mr. Asbury 
after he had received episcopal ordination, gave rise 
to some incidents which may, perhaps, interest the 
reader, and which go to show that good men may 
often differ in sentiment. 

Experience is not only necessary for the perfec- 
tion of every system, but also to correct the preju- 
dices arising either from education or from want of 
mature reflection. 

The subject of this memoir attended an appoint- 
ment with Mr. Asbury, at a Col. Hendron's. Just 
before the commencement of divine service, Mr. 
\sbury made his appearance, having on his black 
gown, cassock, and band. Mr. Lee, so far from being 
pleased at seeing the superintendant of the Methodis; 
Episcopal Church in this attire, that he absolutely felt 
himself grieved, on account of what he deemed an 
innovation upon that plainness and simplicity which 
had always been characteristic of the Methodist- 
\merica. 

He concluded that these appendages would have an 
appearance too imposing upon the people generally ; 
iiot perhaps, recollecting at that time, that Mr, Asburj 
in this respect, only followed the example of Wesle\ 
himself. No doubt he was sincere in his motives, in 
opposing so warmly the wearing of cassocks, and 
bands, by the Methodist clergy ; but as this was not 
\ matter of conscience but only of opinion, e.verv 
had a right to think for himself on the subject. 



72 MEMOIR OF THE 

These badges of ministerial profession were sooo 
laid aside, and the use of them has never been revived 
among us. 

Mr. Asbury being now appointed to a high and 
responsible station, had an increased weight of busi- 
ness on his hands, not only in travelling from confe- 
rence to conference, and superintending the work 
generally, but also in administering the ordinances of 
the church. 

At that time Mr, Henry Willis was in company with 
Mr. Asbury, for the purpose of assisting ^him in his 
labours : Mr. Lee also continued with him for some 
time ; and at Mr. Asbury's request, accompanied him 
as far south as Charleston, S. Carolina. 

Travelling with Mr. Asbury, they passed through 
a place called Charaws, where they were kindly 
received and entertained by a merchant of that place. 
Here Mr. Lee became acquainted, and entered into 
conversation with a young man, who was clerk to the 
merchant, at whose house they put up. This young 
gentleman was a native of Massachusetts, and enter* 
tained him with an account of the customs, and reli- 
gion of his native state. Mr. Lee immediately felt a 
strong impression on his mind, that he ought to go 
and preach the gospel to that people. 

This impression was not a bare impulse of the 
moment, but continued from that time until he was 
enabled to realize his wishes, lie frequently con- 
versed with Mr, Asbury on the subject, and expressed 
his ardent wish to be permitted to go upon a mission 
among the people of the New England States. But 
Mr. Asbury, at that time, thought it best to progress 
gradually, and go where they were invited ; calculat- 
ing, probably, that it was best to acquire a greater 



REV. JKSSE LEE. 73 

number of preachers before they extended tbeir 
labours so far ; and that it would require the exer- 
tions of more than one, to give a permanent footing 
in those territories. 

Mr. Lee, after this, made very zealous exertions 
in order to enlist preachers to go with him on this 
missionary expedition ; but was very unsuccessful for 
several years in gaining recruits, and it was not until 
nearly five years had elapsed from the time he first 
felt an impression on this subject, before his wishes 
were realized. We will close this chapter with 
extracts from his journal. 

i% Wednesday 23d, February, we rode down to 
Georgetown, in South Carolina, and put up at a Mr. 
Smith's ; the next night Mr. Asbury preached in 
town to a large congregation of people, who were 
quite serious and attentive. Just before we set out 
for preaching in the evening, the gentleman of the 
house informed us that he could not attend preaching, 
as it was his turn to superintend a ball that night. I 
had been praying earnestly that if the Lord had sent 
us to that place, that he would open the heart, and 
house, of some other person to receive us ; and after 
meeting, Mr. Waine invited us to call upon him. — 
From that time his house became a home for our 
preachers whenever they came that way. The next 
day we rode to Mr. Scott's tavern, where we stayed 
without expense. 

" Saturday 2Gth, we set out pretty early and met 
brother Willis, who had gone before us to Charleston, 
and now came back to meet us. We arrived in 
Charleston that day, and put up at Mr. Edgar Willis', 
who was a merchant, and a friendly gentleman. We 
went an 1 obtained leave to preach in an old meeting 
house, formerly occupied by the Baptists. We then 
8 



74 MEMOIR OP THE 

had notice published in the newspaper, that the 
Methodists would preach the next day in the old 
house, forenoon and afternoon. I felt my heart 
much engaged in prayer to the Lord for a blessing 
on our labours in that city. 

"Sunday 27th, I preached the first sermon in the 
old meeting house, at 9 o'clock A. M. from Isa. liii. 5, 
G. Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, 4"C. I 
preached with some faith and liberty, and the people 
appeared to be quite amazed. I had only about 
twenty hearers, who attended to the whole discourse; 
but there were many who came in and looked on 
awhile, and then went off quietly. This may be con- 
sidered as the first permanent stand that was made in 
that city by the Methodists. The Messrs. John and 
Charles Wesley, had preached there in 1736 ; and 
Mr. Joseph Pilmore in 1773 ; but did not continue 
long amongst them. We came with a view to con- 
tinue preaching in the city, if our labours should be 
owned of the Lord, Mr. Edgar Wells, at whose 
house we put up, attended preaching, and was, he 
afterwards confessed, awakened ; and from that time 
sought the Lord in earnest, and within a few weeks 
time, he was happily converted." 

Thus we see that God owns the faithful labour of 
his servants, and gives them souls for their hire ; and 
is not this the highest reward they can ask ? 

Mr. Asbury continued in the city a* few days, and 
left Mr, Willis as the stationed minister of the place, 
by whose indefatigable labours a society was formed, 
which has continued until the present day.* 

After continuing with Mr. Asbury about twenty-six 
days, he left him in Charleston, and returned to his 
circuit 

* Sec Lee's History of Methodism in America, page 112. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



Leaves Salisbury Circuit — Attends Conference at Green Hills — 
Meets with Doctor Coke — Some unpleasant feelings, be- 
tween the Doctor and himself — A reconciliation — iUtends 
Conference at Mason's — Is appointed to travel Carolina Cir- 
cuit — His exercises there — Attends conference at Law's 
— From thence to Abingdon in Maryland — Is appointed to 
travel Kent Circuit. 

ItIr. Lee returned to his Circuit just in time to go 
around and take an affectionate leave of those with 
whom he had laboured during the year. 

" By this (says Christ,) shall all men know that 
ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." 
And again, St. John, writing to the believers — 
" Beloved let us love one another ; for love is of 
God ; and every one that loveth is born of God, and 
knoweth God.'" It is surely a true mark of our 
discipleship if we love God, and love one another. 
Heathens themselves have been astonished at this 
noble trait in the Christian character, and although 
ignorant of the cause, yet were constrained to say ; 
" See how these Christians love one another." 

Sharing the same toils, bound upon the same pil- 
grimage, and sons of the same heavenly parent, and 
partakers of the same grace ; can it be a subject of 
wonder, that Christians should be endeared to each 
other, or that Christians should love their ministers 
who faithfully labour with them, and bear them up 



76 MEMOIR OF THE 

before a throne of grace, in their fervent and 
unceasing prayers ? — It was this attachment which 
the believers at Ephesus had for the Apostle Paul, 
after having been benefitted by his labours for the 
space of three years, and which caused them at the 
hour of parting, to fall on the neck of their beloved 
pastor, and weep, " sorrowing, most of all, for the 
words which he spake, that they should see his face 
no more." — Yv r e cannot better apply the above re- 
marks, than by making a few extracts from Mr. 
Lee's Manuscript Journal. 

" Saturday, April 9th, Salisbury* The Lord was 
sensibly present, many of the people had cause to 
bless God for this meeting. One woman professed to 
find the Lord. My grief was greatly encreased at 
leaving these affectionate people. I believe they 
were as much grieved at parting with me, as I was 
at leaving them. We had man}' tears together. — 

" In the Evening I preached at Hickman's from 
Ephesians v. 1. Be ye therefore followers of God as 
dear children. I felt what I said, and I hope the 
people felt it too. — I wept while preaching, and they 
wept while hearing. But the thought of going away 
would hardly suffer me to speak. They wept, and 
some aloud when they took their leave of me. 

" Sunday 10th. Hearn's. 2 Peter iii. 18. But grow 
in grace. I had liberty in speaking to-day ; the hear- 
ers were much affected. — After preaching we held 
a love feast, and I bless God I was greatly comforted, 
I found it to be a time of love to my soul. Many of 
the friends were powerfully wrought upon. I be- 
lieve there were but few dry eyes in the house. 
When I made mention of leaving them, they wept 
aloud as if unable to bear the parting scene, 



REV. JESSE LEE. 



77 



" Monday 11th. Leadbetters. I bad to settle a dis- 
pute between some of our friends, which had been 
in agitation for some months, I undertook it with 
great reluctancy ; but I had reason to be thankful 
for our meetingintheend. We first went to prayer; 
then 1 exhorted a while ; and asked some of the 
friends to pray. Then I got them to speak one at a 
time. When we first began most of us fell a weeping ; 
and I believe there was not a dry eye in the house. 
All seemed agreed to drop it, and say no more about 
it ; but I told them they must say all then, what was 
to be said, that there might be no more of it 
hereafter ; but there was so much crying that it was 
some time before we could hear all they had to 
say ; but in the end they all seemed to ask par- 
don, and each one freely forgave the other, and 
promised to be as though the dispute had never 
been. — I am well convinced I never saw the like 
before. After we had settled this point we set off; 
but I had a sorrowful parting with my dear friends. 
Whon I bade them farewell there was scarcely one 
that was able to speak, being all in tears. My grief 
was almost more than 1 could bear. 

" Wednesday 13th, At the new meeting house I 
preached from 2 Corinthians xiii. 11. Finally, 
brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort , fyc. 
After I had concluded and told them I was going to 
leave them, and begged they would pray for me, 
immediately they began to weep, and I could say no 
more : I set down and wept several minutes, I then 
left the house, but before I could get far, they came 
around me weeping. I began to bid them farewell, 
and to speak a few words to them ; but my grief was 
so great, that I t»-*s soon forced to stop. I never 
8 * 



*78 MEMOIR OF THE 

saw, or felt such a parting scene before. At times it 
seemed that I would as soon have died, as to be par- 
ted from this people : but upon due reflection I 
could say the will of the Lord be done." 

Who that has experienced, in some degree the 
grief of parting with Christian friends, does not 
look forward with pleasure to that world of rest, 
where the redeemed of the Lord shall meet, to 
part and sorrow no more ? — 

He left his charge in Salisbury on the 14th, and 
attended the setting of the Annual Conference at Green 
Hills, which commenced the 20th of April. Among 
those present at the conference was Doctor Coke, 
who took an active part in the deliberations of that 
body ; and among other subjects which were intro- 
duced, that of slavery claimed no small part of his 
attention. Ever since his arrival in America his 
thoughts bad been intensely fixed, in finding out 
some method, for the extirpation of this evil rom 
amongst the Methodists. 

He had viewed this evil, which he found existing 
in the southern department of the work, in an ab- 
stract form, not perhaps duly considering that thou- 
sands were involved in it, not through choice but ne- 
cessity, and possessing a zeal which would bow to 
no difficulty, he went on enforcing the necessity of 
an immediate and unconditional emancipation of that 
unhappy portion of the human race. 

Mr. Lee's notions on this subject were somewhat 
different from the Doctor's ; he, with every friend of 
humanity, deplored the condition of this portion of 
Adam's family, and felt the most sincere regret for 
their situation ; but at the same time he anticipated 
what in reality was brought to pass some years after, 



REV. JESSE LEE. 79 

that the spirit of the people would be roused by 
pressing the subject too closely ; and that it would be 
the means of closing the door effectually against their 
future emancipation. He therefore thought it best 
to pursue a more calm and deliberate course, and 
that every step in a question of so much importance 
should be taken with the utmost prudence. 

From the manner in which he expressed his senti- 
ments on this topic, the Doctor concluded that he 
was unfriendly to a cause, which he conceived every 
friend of religion was bound to support with all his 
might ; and during the examination of characters he 
urged this as an exceptionable part of Mr. Lee's 
character, with his usual warmth and energy. To 
this Mr. Lee replied with suitable promptness, and 
being interrupted by the Doctor, while attempting to 
vindicate himself against this allegation, a spirit was 
produced and words elicited, which perhaps were 
improper at that time. The Doctor soon discov- 
ered, that his words had wounded the feelings of Mr. 
Lee ; and with true nobleness of soul made an 
apology which was satisfactory ; and the breach was 
effectually healed. 

The subject of American slavery has long agitated 
the minds of philanthropists, both in the church and 
in the state ; and it is generally found much easier to 
find arguments to condemn the practice than it is to 
apply a corrective to the existing evil. Every friend 
to humanity would rejoice to see the clay when these 
descendants of Ham should be liberated from their 
bondage, if it could be done without endangering 
the peace of society, and without detriment to the 
slaves themselves. As the case now is, there is some 
consolation in reflecting that many of these depressed 



80 MEMOIR OP THE 

sons and daughters of Africa, have the blessings of 
the Gospel conveyed to them ; and that, through 
this medium, their condition is somewhat amelio- 
rated by the Christian conduct of their masters. How 
long they might have remained destitute of the 
moralizing and comforting influence of Christianity in 
their own country, who can tell? 

From this conference, he attended one held in 
Brunswick Circuit, at a place called Mason's ; here 
much agitation was excited on the question of sla- 
very, the particulars of which we shall pass over ; 
believing that the public mind is becoming daily 
more enlightened on a subject which involves the 
vital happiness of thousands, we shall confide in the 
wisdom of our legislators, to bring matters to a 
favourable issue. 

In the mean time the desires of the benevolent 
who are engaged in the amelioration of the condition 
of many, by establishing a Colony on the African 
shores, we trust will be fully realized. 

From the conference at Mason's, Mr. Lee, either 
at his own request, or that of the superinUndant, 
went on to the Maryland Conference, which commen- 
oed in Baltimore the 1st of June. 

While in Baltimore he enjoyed much of the pres- 
ence of God, both while attending public worship, 
and also in his closet. At evening he observed, " 1 
say to myself, soul where hast thou gleaned to day ? 
thy labours how bestowed ? what hast thou rightly 
said or done ? what grace obtained or knowledge 
won, in following after God ?" 

About this time he was innoculated with the small 
pox, which turned out as favourably as could be 
wished. This prudent precaution exempted him 



REV. JESSE LEE. 8l 

from future exposure to the disease which, before the 
introduction of vaccination, prevailed in large towns 
and cities, at some periods, to an alarming extent. 

After recovering from his indisposition he left 
Baltimore, and on the first of July arrived within 
the bounds of the circuit of Carolina which he was 
appointed to travel. 

The following extracts, I trust, will be acceptable 
to the reader. 

" Monday, July 4th. This evening I enjoyed the 
presence of the Lord, and could but bless his Name 
that ever he called me to seek his face : for two days 
I have felt willing to undergo any thing for the 
Lord, that he shall permit. I have been reading 
Madam Guion's Life ; and seeir.~ what she suffered, 
and how patiently she bore all things for the 
sake of Christ, it has caused me to pray fervently 
that I might be brought also to suffer cheerfully and 
joyfully whatever cross I might have to bear." 

Tuesday 5th. He preached at Charles'. While 
telling of the goodness of God to others, he felt the 
inward testimony of the indwelling of the Spirit of 
God in his own soul. 

" Blessed be God, (says he,) that he does look 
upon the low estate of his servant. I have little to 
say to any one of late, except on religious matters, 
I feel my heart much detatched from the world, and 
a constant breathing after holiness. O when will the 
time arrive, when I shall be filled with all the ful- 
ness of God ! 

" Wednesday 6th. This evening while walking 
in the fields and meditating it appeared to me that 
I w r as almost ready and willing to leave the world. 
O my soul ! bless the Lord : and all that is within me 



82 MEMOIR. OP THE 

magnify his name for ever : I would not be without 
my Lord one day for all the world. I had rather 
suffer affliction, nay, death itself, with the people 
of God, than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. 
Though I am well convinced there is no pleasure to 
be found in sin; the pleasure which the wicked seem 
to enjoy proceeds only from the gratification of the 
senses, and is always more in appearance than in 
reality. The Lord pity such people, who are in 
danger of loosing their precious souls every moment, 
and yet are crying ' peace, peace,' to themselves, 
when God has not spoken peace to them. 

" Sunday 10th. At the Fork Meeting House, I 
preached with a good deal of life and liberty from Col. 
iii. 3, 4. 1 felt very much for the people ; and some of 
them I hope felt for themselves ; their tears proved 
that they felt the word. When I preach and can see 
that the people are affected, then I am contented ; but 
how hard it is for me to be satisfied, when I see no visi- 
ble stir among the hearers. For several days, I have 
felt much deadness to the world. This morning I 
met the coloured class, and was greatly comforted 
among them : I was astonished to hear them speak as 
much to the purpose as they did ; they were dressed 
very decently. 1 could not doubt but they were 
seeking the things which are above. 

"Saturday October 1st. At Smith's I preached 
from Gal. v. 1 . Stand fast in the liberty wherezvith 
Christ hath made you free. I bless the Lord this 
was a day of liberty to me ; while I was speaking my 
soul was lost in wonder, love, and praise, and could 
but call upon my soul to bless the Lord. I seemed 
to be swallowed up in the will of the Lord. I hope 
the word reached the hearts of the hearers. I know 



REV. JESSE LEE. 83 

that m} r care of the people does not lie altogether in 
preaching to them ; 1 have now began to press home 
family duties, the necessity of family religion. I 
desire to teach the people all things necessary for 
life and salvation. my God ! if thou hast sent me 
among this people, hless my labours, and let me 
see the work of the Lord revive ; and feel it revive 
in my own heart. Lord answer my request ! 

" Sunday 2. Fork Meeting House. My text was 
Colossians. iv. 2. Continue in prayer, and watch in 
the same with thanksgiving . This was a time of 
refreshing from the Lord. O my soul! bless the 
name of the Lord, for he has dealt bountifully with 
me. I spoke almost two hours, and the hearers 
were dissolved in tears. I now see that the Lord 
does not cast off for ever. Though heaviness endures 
for a night, yet joy comes in the morning. Then I 
met the class and gave them an exhortation with 
respect to bringing up their families, and how to 
live and act one with another. 

" Sunday 16th. I rose this morning very unwell, 
and set out to town which was a mile off, before the 
stars withdrew their shining. I preached at the 
Court House at sun rising, 1 John iii. 1. 2. Behold, 
what manner of love the father hath bestowed upon us, 
that we should be called the sons of God ! «$"C. Though 
I was unwell this morning, I spoke with a good deal 
of comfort, to many hearers. I had reason to be- 
lieve that the word reached some of their hearts, 
As this was an unusual hour for preaching in this part 
of the world, some expected to see or hear great 
things, and for fear of being too late, they hardly 
slept any on the preceding night." 

Thus he continued during his stay upon this circuit, 
much devoted to God ; and although we hear him 



84 



MEMOIR OF THE 



spe^k frequently of weeping congregations, and 6i 
feeling the power and presence of God, yet he was 
not unfrequemly assailed with temptations by the 
grand adversary, but he was resolved not to yield 
to the contest, and tamely submit. He set a reso- 
lution to resist the devil in the name of the Lord, 
and immediately found the power of the tempter 
weakened. 

Sometimes he felt his mind so much oppressed with 
heaviness and fears that he concluded more than once 
that he would return home, and give over the ardu- 
ous duties in which he had engaged. But perhaps 
the very next appointment which he attended, a 
ray of divine light would break upon his soul, his 
darkness was scattered, his mental embarrassment 
removed, and his spirit so much refreshed and 
strengthened, that he felt more than ever determined 
to continue labouring and suffering in the king- 
dom of Christ. 

He that comforted his disciples, by saying, ' Lo I 
am with you to the end of the world,' gave suc- 
cess also to the labours of his servant, for he had 
the satisfaction of seeing the work of the Lord 
measurably revive ; some seals were added to his 
ministry, some to the Church, and peace and harmony 
prevailed amongst its members. 

Towards the middle of March 1786, he left his 
circuit with considerable regret, and set out for Vir- 
ginia, visited his father and relatives, and proceeded 
to Lane's Meeting House in Sussex, where the Vir- 
ginia Conference commenced on the 10th of April. — 
It was at this place that he received the mournful 
intelligence that the Rev. John Fletcher, that truly 
pious, learned, and highly respectable and useful 
servant of Christ, was no more — that he had gone to 



REV. JESSE LEE. O y 

eive the reward of his labours, in the Church 
Triumphant. The death of Mr. Fletcher was a 
cause of deep sorrow, not only among the pious fol- 
lowers of Christ in England, but also in America. 
His works of faith and labour of love, will never be 
forgotten. 

From this conference, which continued its session 
not more than two days, he returned to Maryland 
preaching at various appointments on the way ; and 
attended a conference at Abingdon, which commenced 
the 8th of May. Although he was eligible to deacons 
orders, yet after solemnly weighing the matter in his 
own mind, he thought proper to defer it until some 
future period. From this conference he was sent to 
travel Kent Circuit; and by the 12th of May was 
able to take his appointments. 

So voluminous are the journals of Mr. Lee, and 
they contain so much valuable and useful matter, that 
the compiler sometimes feels at a loss what portion to 
select. He will endeavour, however, to make such 
selections as he considers most interesting and useful. 
There is a sort of uniformity in the daily exercises of 
a mind undeviatingly devoted to God, which, by being 
often repeated, become monotonous to the reader ; 
but when accounts of these exercises are intermixed 
with remarks upon passing events, and connected with 
public labours which go to benefit mankind in the 
most important matters, they assume an interesting 
aspect, which arrests the attention of the pious and 
intelligent reader. Such, it is humbly hoped, will be 
found the character of most of the extracts which 
follow. 

u Sunday 14th. At Chester-Town, I preached from 
1 Thes. v. 19. " Quench not the Spirit."— 1. Showed 

9 



ob MEMOIR OF THE 

the many ways in which the Spirit of God operates 
upon the hearts of the people. 2. How the Spirit 
may be quenched, 3. The consequence of quench- 
ing the Spirit. 4. The blessed effects which will 
ensue if we quench it not. 

"I feel my soul quickened while speaking to the 
people- — I find my heart much drawn out in prayer to 
God in their behalf. O ! may I have cause to bless 
God that my lot was cast amongst this people. There 
is nothing in the world that I want to see so much as 
a revival of religion — O may I feel it as well as see it. 
" Monday 29th. At Plumer's I preached from Dan. 
vi. 16. " Thy God 'whom thou servest continually, he 
will deliver thee." As soon as 1 began to sing, I felt 
my soul happy in the Lord, and while I was praying, 
the power of the Lord was sensibly felt in the midst ; 
but while I was speaking from the text, the Lord was 
more powerfully present. There was a weeping on 
every side, both among saints and sinners. Blessed 
be God, it was a precious time to me ; I can truly say, 
that I did sow in hope this day. — This was the most 
powerful day I have seen in the circuit. 

"Sunday, June 11. Chester-Town, 10 o'clock, I 
endeavoured to show the nature, necessity, and effects 
of prayer, from 1 Thes. v. 17. The people were 
very attentive all the time of sermon. Towards the 
latter part of the discourse, the poor hearers were 
quite overcome, and weeping was heard in every 
part of the house. I felt such a love for the|people ? 
and such a desire for their salvation, that my heart 
seemed ready to break. At length my tears pre- 
vented utterance, and I stopped for a few moments, 
and then resumed my discourse. O what a time it 
was among the people ! There was scarcely a dry 



REV, JESSE LEE. 87 

eye in the house : some of the most dressy people 
-h<-ok, being deeply affected with the word which 
reached their hearts. If I never have the comfort 
of seeing these people brought to the Lord, I think 
I have had the comfort of seeing them cut to the 
heart under the word. The Lord has been good to 
me this day, and the language of my heart is, 

ft Dsarest Jesus, though unseen, 

My believing heart must love Thee ; 

Poor, despised Nazarene, 

A true and constant friend I prove Thee ; 

Sinking in thy balmy name, 

O ! how I love my dearest Lamb." 

f felt great peace in my soul after meeting was over. 

" This morning I met the black class, visited 
a sick person, and then went and visited the prisoners 
before preaching. I know my moments are very 
precious, and it is a great pity that I should let so 
many pass away unimproved. After dinner we rode 
down to the Old Chapel, and at 4 o'clock I preached 
from 1 Tim. ii. 4. " Who will have all men to be saved, 
and come to the knowledge of the truth " I felt a 
degree of liberty in speaking. The people were 
much affected. I had a pleasing view while I was 
speaking of the willingness of God to save all men. 
I am sure I felt willing to spare no pains in teaching 
them the way to be saved. I bless the Lord that he 
does not leave rne without some comfort. I feel still 
determined to pursue my course, though death and 
hell obstruct my way. This night I went to bed in 
peace. 

sl Saturday ,j8th July, I met the children in Chester- 
Town for the first time. I have been convinced, in 



88 MEMOIR OF THE 

my own mind ever since I came to this circuit, that it 
would be of great advantage to the children to meet 
them here as well as in other places : I had no cause 
to doubt it after our first meeting. At 3 o'clock I 
met the women's class ; and I believe they could all 
say it was good to be there. I felt my soul happy 
amongst them ; and the greater part of the class was 
melted into tears. This is the first time the men and 
women have been met apart since 1 divided the class, 
I do think that the class increases in grace as well as 
in number. 

" Thursday 12th October," he thus writes : — 
" We had a melting time in class-meeting, at Wood- 
land's. It was a time of great comfort ; some, when 
spoken to, could only answer with their tears. There 
was an elderly woman with her two daughters who 
stayed in, and desired to join society. When they 
made the offer, many of the friends wept aloud for 
joy; for joy hath tears as well as grief. I opened 
the hymn-book and gave out the following words :— 

6 Who are these who come from far ? 
Swifter than the flying cloud ; 
Thick as flocking doves they are, 
Eager in pursuit of God. 

Trembling as the storm draws nigh. 

Hast'ning to their place of rest ; 
See them to the windows fly, 

To the ark of Jesus' breast.' 

" I think this day I felt a resolution to give my all 
to God ; I have but two mites, and I now cast them 
into the Lord's treasury. O my God! I have no 
better sacrifice to make — wilt thou accept my soul 
and my body ? — they are thine — thou hast given them 



REV, JESSE LEE. 89 

to me, and now I render them back to thee, and keep 
back no part of the price. — O my soul! bless God; 
and forget not all his benefits. 

Upon reviewing the labours of this year, it may be 
truly said that he was instant in season and out of 
season. At one time, he speaks of getting out of his 
bed, with a high fever, to attend an appointment and 
form a new class. At other times, riding through 
the rain while it fell in torrents, to meet his congre- 
gations, or at least, to attend at the place appointed. 
In all these duties he felt an inexpressible peace, to 
which the slothful and indolent are utter strangers. 

On the 30th of March, he took his leave of Kent 
Circuit, which included within its bounds, Kent, 
Coecil, Caroline, and Queen Ann counties. This 
being amongst the first circuits formed on the conti- 
nent, and containing large societies of lively and 
steady members, made it pleasant to the preacher 
who travelled it. There were, during the time Mr, 
Lee travelled it, three hundred added to the societies. 
He observed that in four weeks, he had to preach 
thirty-one times, and meet fifty-two classes. Though 
he had laboured among them with comfort, and left 
■hem with a mixture of sorrow and joy, yet his heart 
ried out, " Not my will, but thine be done, O God!'' 



CHAPTER IX, 



Attends Conference in Baltimore — Appointed to Baltimore 
City Circuit — Preaches on the Commons in Baltimore — A 
£reat Revival of Religion in Virginia — The flame spreads to 
Maryland — Makes a visit to Virginia — 1788 Attends Confe- 
rence at Baltimore and Philadelphia — Refuses Ordination — 
Appointed to Flanders — Visits Virginia again. 

x HE conference which Mr, Lee attended this year, 
and from which he received his appointment, was 
held in the city of Baltimore the 1st of May 1787. 
After the business of conference was over, he went 
to visit his friends in Kent, to whom he was much 
attached, and continued several days, preaching at 
various appointments. 

It afforded him particular pleasure to visit one who. 
although lying upon a sick bed, was rejoicing in the 
love of God. As soon as he entered the room 
where she was laying, she began to weep and praise 
God, and to tell what the Lord had done for her soul. 
She said, addressing herself to Mr. Lee, " Last Sun- 
day week, when I took my leave of you at the meet- 
ing house, you spoke to me about the welfare of my 
*oul, and it had such weight with me that I promised 
the Lord that I would not eat, drink, or sleep, till he 
pardoned my sins ; and all that night I did not sleep. 
The next day about 4 o'clock, the Lord set my soul at 
liberty, and I wanted to see you ; I knew you would 
help me to praise the Lord." 



82 MEMOIR OF THE 

A word in season, how good it is ! Those who 
remain unmoved under the most searching and ener- 
getic ministry of the word, are often awakened to a 
sense of their danger, and excited to seek the Lord, 
by a word addressed to them personally. Such 
appears to have been the case in the present instance. 
And this, with thousands of other instances of the 
like nature, should teach us to be instant in season 
and out of season, to exhort and rebuke with all 
authority and long-suffering, " In the morning sow 
thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thy hand ; 
for thou knowest not which shall prosper, this or that." 

From visiting his friends in Kent, he went to travel 
a circuit adjoining the city of Baltimore, where he 
laboured with good success, until the latter part of 
August, at which time he took his appointment in the 
city of Baltimore. 

On this station, he diligently attended to the duties 
of a pastor ; such as visiting the poor, instructing the 
children, preaching in public, teaching from house 
to house, and attending the sick, and meeting classes ; 
besides the various other duties, requisite for a minis- 
ter to attend to with constancy and punctuality. He 
not only performed the stated duties generally expected 
of a minister of Christ, but he sought for opportu- 
nities of doing good to all who were willing to be 
benefitted by his labours : knowing that in a large and 
populous city like Baltimore, there must necessarily 
be many who seldom, if ever, entered a Methodist 
meeting-house, he resolved to give all an opportunity 
of hearing, who would hear ; and accordingly he made 
an appointment for preaching on the commons. The 
following extracts will show how much encourage- 
ment he had in this undertaking. 



REV. JESSE LEE. 9o 

Sunday August 26, on the Commons at 6 o'clock I 
preached on Isa lv. 7. Let the wicked forsake his way, 
and the wirighteous man his thoughts : and let him 
return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him: 
and to our God 9 and he will abundantly pardon. I was 
greatly comforted in speaking from first to last ; and. 
glory be to God ! it was a time of power. Toward 
the end of the meeting, it appeared to me that the 
Lord was about to visit every soul with his love. — It was 
a melting time, and many silent tears were dropped — 
some of the finely dressed people could not forbear 
weeping — we had an amazing large congregation, of 
all ranks, and of many persuasions. — When we broke 
up and parted, I was greatly pleased to see the com- 
pany walk away so quietly. I came away rejoicing in 
the Lord, and praising God for his presence with us. 
It appeared to me that God was about to revive his 
work in the town." 

After preaching on the commons for six or eight 
sabbaths, having in every instance, large and atten- 
tive congregations, he then went to the market on the 
point, and preached to a vast assembly. Among 
others who attended upon these occasions, there were 
numbers of sailors, who but for field and market 
preaching, might never have heard the gospel. All 
were serious and solemn, and uncovered their heads, 
as though they had entered a house of worship. 

He also preached several times in the market on 
Howard's Hill, with such favourable appearances oi 
success, that he could not doubt but that the fruits of 
his labours would be seen in days to come. 

While he was labouring in Baltimore the Lord was 
pleased, in a good degree, to own and bless his 
efforts, 



94 MEMOIR OF THE 

Monday, September 3d, he observes, "I met the 
class and was much comforted. I joined (wo in class, 
and both of them professed to have lately found the 
Lord. I have observed of late that the greater part of 
the stir has been among the young men and boys : seve- 
ral of them. have been awakened and joined society." 

This year was remarkable for a great and almost 
unprecedented revival of religion in Virginia. Mr. 
Lee frequently received letters from that quarter, 
informing him of the progress of the work. It seemed 
indeed like the commencement of the millenial reign 
of Christ gradually dispelling the darknessof the world. 

In March 1788, he resolved to visit his native 
place, as well to see his relations as to share in the 
glorious work still progressing in that part of the 
Lord's vineyard. 

This visit was a source of more than ordinary plea- 
sure, as the following extracts will show. 

** Sunday, 30th of March. Petersburg. At 11 o'clock 
I preached on Mark viii. 36. For what shall it profit a 
man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own 
soul ? I had a pretty large company, and felt great 
liberty in speaking, and the hearers were much 
affected ; and from the beginning there were many 
silent tears shed — I felt my soul drawn out in love to 
God and man ; and before I was done the power of 
God was manifested among us. One woman dropped 
down from her seat like a person struck dead ; but in 
a little while she was enabled to rise and praise a sin 
pardoning God aloud, and many shouted for joy. I 
observed a woman finely dressed, just at my right- 
hand, who trembled and shook as though she had an 
ague ; at length she stood up, and I expected every 
-ment to have seen her drop down in the place 



REV. JESSE LEE. 95 

where she stood. In a little time a young woman 
came and took hold of her, and they both fell down 
on their knees together. The young woman began to 
pray aloud for the mourner : in a little time another 
young woman came, and kneeling down, prayed with 
all her might. By this time there were several cry- 
ing aloud, and the house rung with the cries of the 
people, both men and women. I began to weep myself 
and was forced to stop preaching. In a litttle time the 
woman near me, for whom the young women were 
praying, was enabled to arise and praise God for 
having pardoned her sins. Cries and groans were 
heard in every part of the house. I could not help 
praising God aloud among the people. Here were 
two who professed openly that God had pardoned 
their sins; and many careless sinners were cut to 
the heart. Such a powerful meeting I have not seen 
for a long time ; and blessed be God, I not only saw it, 
but I felt it also/' 

In the afternoon, 4 o'clock, at the same place, he 
preached to about twelve hundred hearers, who w r ere 
remarkably solemn. It was an unusual thing to see 
so large a religious assembly in Petersburg. 

On visiting his father's family, what must have been 
his feelings, when he heard that all his brothers and 
sisters had professed to have found the pearl of greai 
price ! 

Indeed, the work seemed to be general, throughotn 
the circuits on the south side of James' River, The 
young were the principal subjects who professed faith 
in Christ ; but not confined exclusively to them. But 
may we not pause a moment, and inquire, where are 
all those who were gathered in during these great 
revivals? To this it may be answered, that man\ 



96 MEMOIR OF THE 

since have fallen asleep in Jesus, after having wit- 
nessed a good profession before many witnesses. 
Others remain to this day ornaments to the church , 
who have been enabled to keep their garments 
unspotted from the world. We should be happy 
could we stop here, and say such is the situation of 
all. Truth, however, compels us to make a different 
statement, and to say with regret, that not a few who 
professed to be cleansed, have become again polluted. 
The cup of joy and peace, from whence they could 
once drink with pleasure, they have dashed from their 
lips ; and the tongue once employed in the praises of 
God, is now employed in speaking evil of that cause 
which they once loved. Some of those very persons 
who could feel no pleasure in any company but the 
people of God, are now the companions of the wicked, 
and no longer have fellowship with the followers of 
Christ. 

This manifest departure from faith and a good con- 
science, is no new tbing under the sun. At one time, 
in the days of our Lord's personal ministry, so many 
of his disciples forsook him, that he turned to the 
apostles and said, Will ye also go away ? And even 
among the distinguished Twelve, a treacherous Judas 
was found. The same depravity of heart, the same 
viciousness of conduct, and the same proneness to 
depart from a life of holiness and devotion to God, 
may be found in every age of the world, not except- 
ing the days of apostolic purity and simplicity. But 
it would betray either a want of mature thought, or an 
invidious discrimination, to draw an inference unfa- 
vourable to the doctrine taught, or to the whole com- 
munity, on account of the defection of some of its 
members from rectitude of conduct. 



REV. JESSE LEE. 97 

Respecting the revival in Virginia, we will make one 
more extract. 

" I surely have cause to bless and praise God, that I 
came to Virginia this spring, to see my old friends. But 
such a change in any people I never saw. — There are 
many of the young converts that are as bold, zealous, 
and as solemn as old Christians. There are but few, 
either men or women, boys or girls, but what will pray 
when called upon, and sometimes without being asked. 

" They told me instances of persons who were quite 
careless in the morning, and perhaps laughing at re- 
ligion, but going to meeting, they were cut to the 
heart, and dropped down as if dead ; and after lying 
awhile, some perhaps for hours and others not so 
long, have leaped up, and praised God, from a sense 
of his forgiving love ; and it has been quite common 
for Christians, when they have been much comforted, 
to praise God aloud ; and while in an ecstacy of 
joy have gone to the wicked, and taken hold of them, 
and exhorted them with tears to seek the Lord. 
Others have gone to their wicked relations, parents 
to their children, children to their parents, the 
husband to the wife, and the wife to the husband, 
and wept over them and prayed for them till the 
power of God has laid hold of them, and they have 
been made subjects of converting grace. So mightily 
has the Lord blessed the labours of his people in 
this place. I have never seen any thing more like 
taking the kingdom by violence than this. I have 
no doubt but many will say this is not of God, 
for God is not the author of confusion. But I 
answer, it must be of God ; for the people are 
justified, and many are sanctified, and the devil 
cannot do this. But some will say, so much noise 

10 



98 MEMOIR OF THE 

cannot be of God ; but the Lord has by this means, 
awakened and converted many, that were careless 
before. Let the Lord work his own way. It is clear 
that the Lord has his way in the whirlwind. If we 
could have all the good without the confusion, if such 
there be, it would be desirable, but if not, Lord send 
the good, though it should be with double the confu- 
sion. We are too apt to say ' Lord prosper thy work 
by this or that means.* But if we pray for the work 
to revive, let this be our cry, Lord make use of some 
means to save the people, and let him work his own 
way. If souls can but be converted, I will be con- 
tented." 

Toward the latter part of April he left Virginia, in 
order to return to his work in Maryland. It would 
, have been very pleasing to him to have stayed a little 
longer, had it been consistent with other engagements, 
to enjoy the company of those Christians who seemed 
all alive to God, and whose only pleasure was his 
service. But on returning to his circuit he discov- 
ered that God was not confined to time nor place ; 
his power being every where the same. 

The flame which had been spreading in Virginia, 
had began to kindle in the vicinity of Baltimore, and 
in almost every meeting which he attended there was 
some display of the power of God. 

In September, when about to give up his charge, 
he makes these remarks. 

" 1 have been in this circuit for fifteen months, 
and though I met with many troubles in the begin- 
ning, and but little outward encouragement, for some- 
time, yet I have cause to bless God for his great 
goodness to me in the end. 



REV. JESSE LEE. 99 

" There has been great love and union between 
the people and myself, from first to last, and many 
souls have been awakened and converted in the 
circuit this year, I suppose there has not been so 
great a work among the people for eight or ten years, 
as there has been this year. And in many places the 
work is still progressing ; there have been much pain 
and sorrow, and many tears shed at our parting. I have 
often thought, that I should obtain power to refrain 
from weeping at leaving a circuit; but as yet I 
have not. I have seen such a gracious work in 
several places in this circuit, and have been present 
where so many of them have been converted, that I 
shall never be able to think of those times and sea- 
sons without feeling a degree of comfort." 

It would be well to remark that a part of these 
fifteen months were spent in the city of Baltimore , 
but the far greater part were spent in the circuit. 

September 9th, 1788. The conference set in 
Baltimore, where there was much good done by 
the preaching of the Gospel. He was here much 
importuned to receive ordination, but could not feel 
his mind reconciled to receive it. 

On the 25th, of the same month, he attended 
conference in the city of Philadelphia. Mr. Asburj 
feeling the want of ordained ministers who might 
be competent to administer the ordinances, undertook 
to remonstrate with Mr. Lee for his backwardness 
in this respect, but still he persisted that it was 
best to remain as he was. 

There is not the least shadow of reason to believe 
that he ai all doubted the validity of our ordination. 
He was not among that number who contended for 
a succession of .Episcopal ordination from the Bishop 



100 MEMOIR OF THE 

of Rome, or that believed it could only be validly 
done by a bishop of the Established Church of Eng- 
land. He believed in none of these unsupported 
and antiquated doctrines. Neither did he censure 
others for receiving the holy office, because 
he was willing * that every one should be fully 
persuaded in his own mind,' as this was the course 
which he was determined to pursue himself. And 
although his refusal to receive orders might have 
the appearance of obstinacy, to those who were not 
acquainted with his real motives, yet we are by no 
means disposed to attribute it to this cause. Mo- 
tives of interest alone might have had some influence 
on the minds of individuals, to induce them to step 
into orders, when so repeatedly solicited by the 
Church, but motives like these weighed nothing 
with Mr. Lee ; for even when it was proposed in 
the conference at Philadelphia, that ministers should 
receive a small compensation for celebrating the rites 
of matrimony, he opposed it with all his might. In 
this respect he might have erred, but judging from the 
tenor of his life, we are bold to say that it was his 
most decided opinion at that time, that such a course 
• should be pursued. 

He received an appointment to travel Flanders 
Circuit. Unfortunately among the people with whom 
he laboured this year, Calvanism* had taken deep root. 

* By Calvanism is to be understood the doctrine of unconditional 
decree?, by which a part of mankind are doomed to inevitable ruin, 
who only do according to such decrees, and the rest eternally secu- 
red in the covenant of Redemption. This doctrine stands directly- 
opposed to that part of Methodism, which asserts that Christ died 
for all men, and that those who are lost, are lost because they 
refused to be saved when they might have Ijeen saved. 



REV, JESSE LEE. J°l 

A more formidable barrier could not have been placed 
in his way. 

It was here that he received an account of a sin- 
gular conversion, which, for the sake of its novelty, I 
will give in his own words, 

" An Indian squaw, who was awakened some years 
past, when there was a great work among the Pres- 
byterians in this part of the world, concluded that 
God would not hear her, because she could not 
pray in English ; but in the depth of her distress she 
recollected that she could say 'January, February,' 
and she immediately began to pray ' January, Feb- 
ruary,' ; January, February,' and repeated the words 
till her soul was happily converted." 

He continued to travel this circuit several months 
before he could be gratified with the prospect of 
seeing much good result from his labours ; and it 
was not* until January 1789, that his hopes began to 
revive, as the following extracts will show. 

" Sunday January 25, At Newborough I preached 
on Col. iii, 3, 4. For ye are dead, and your life is 
hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, 
shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in 
glory. 1 had a company of attentive and affected 
hearers ; and my heart panted for more grace, and 
for the welfare of the people. It was indeed a time 
of comfort to my soul : and I had great liberty in 
speaking. I was led to believe, that there would 
be some revival of religion among the people. O 
Lord! hasten the happy time. We had a happy 
class meeting, and most part of the class said their 
hearts were engaged with the Lord." 

" Foster Town, 4 o'clock. We had a large congre- 
gation, and though the house was much crowded, yet 

10 * 



102 MEMOIR OF THE 

the people were very attentive. And the Lord 
blessed me with great liberty while declaring the 
necessity of the new birth. I sensibly felt that the 
power of God was among the people ; some of them 
were cut to the heart and wept freely, and some of 
them wept so as to be heard at a distance, O, my 
soul, praise the Lord, and forget not any of his bene- 
fits. When we broke up, several people came to 
me and begged that I would come and preach in 
their neighbourhood, as no Methodist had ever 
preached among them. I agreed to give them regu- 
lar preaching." 

" Allen's. Watch night. I preached on 1 Cor. xvi. 
13. Watch ye. I found great liberty in speaking from 
these words, and was blessed in my own soul ; I spoke 
very long and loud ; and the power of God came 
down among the people, and many of them wept 
greatly ; many groaned and wept aloud. O my soul 
praise the Lord, and let the remembrance of this meet- 
ing make me ever thankful. I spoke with tears in 
my eyes, and comfort in my soul. If i may judge 
from my own feelings or the looks of the people, I 
should conclude that a revival of religion is about to 
take place in the neighbourhood. I have not seen so 
melting a time among them before, 1 knew not how 
to give over speaking, and continued speaking for an 
hour and three quarters." 

At another time he observed, " I spoke freely and 
fully against unconditional election and reprobation, 
and I found great liberty in speaking, and the power 
of God attended the word : many of the people wept 
greatly, and some cried out aloud. 1 really expected 
that the Lord would make b ire his arm in the convic- 
tion of some soul at that meeting. 1 told them at last 



REV. JESSE LEE. 103 

that God had taken his oath against Calvinism, because 
he had declared by the mouth of his holy prophet, 
*As I live saith the Lord God, 1 have no pleasure in 
the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from 
his way and live ' On uttering these words, I felt so 
much of the power of God, that it appeared to me as 
if the truth of the doctrine was sealed to the heart§ 
of the hearers. Many of those who were careless in 
the beginning, were forced to weep and mourn in the 
congregation, and could not conceal their tears, before 
we were done. 

" Thursday, March 12th. This is the day of my 
birth, and I am now thirty-one years old, O my soul, 
praise the Lord, that he spares me from year to year, 
I felt a heart thankful to God for his great goodness to 
me ; and 1 felt a desire to be more than ever devoted 
to God. 

" This day I preached at Samuel Arthur's, on 
Zech. viii. 23. We will go with you, for we have 
heard (hat God is with you. I was about to form a 
new class, and made choice of this text in order to 
show the necessity of going with those who walk with 
God, or with whom the Lord is. In the end I joined 
four persons in society. I hope the Lord will take 
care of this little flock, and make their number large, 
their faith strong, their hearts pure, and their lives 
blameless. 

" Wednesday, 6th of May, I preached at Wm. Gar- 
retson's, on 1 Cor. xiii. 13. And now abideth faith, hope, 
charity, &c. There were many serious at this meet- 
ing, though apparently not much wrought on until 
tow irds the close of the meeting. We had a comfort- 
able clas* meeting, and three persons joined society. 
One woman gave a particular account of the manner 



I ©4 MEMOIR OF THE 

in which she had been brought to the knowledge of 
Ihe truth a little before, and the manner in which she 
spoke, left no room to doubt of the sincerity of her 
heart. 1 lodged at brother Mapes' that night, who 
informed me that he had been an enemy to the Metho- 
dists, till he heard me preach a few months before : he 
and his wife are now in society, and bid fair for heaven.' 9 

After travelling Flanders Circuit until the middle 
of May 1789, which, upon the whole, was by no means 
the most agreeable circuit he had travelled, he took 
his leave of many to whom he had been endeared by 
the ties of Christian affection. 

He had devoted nine months labour in apart of the 
world inhabited by the natives of almost every clime, 
and possessing almost as many different creeds. Among 
materials so heterogeneous, it is not surprising that 
little apparent success should attend his labours. He 
was the first Methodist missionary who went into that 
part of the country. 

During his visit to Virginia, he had the satisfaction 
of finding that a brother, John Lee, who had been 
made a subject of converting grace during the revival 
in that part of the world, felt a desire to engage in 
the work of the ministry. He accordingly accompanied 
the subject of this memoir to the north, and assisted 
him in his labours on his circuit; he afterwards 
became a member of the conference travelled suc- 
cessfully for several years, then located through infirm- 
ity of body, and finally died much devoted to God, in 
the full assurance of a glorious immortality. 



CHAPTER X. 



Attends the Conference in New-York — Appointed to Stanford 
— Commences his labours in Connecticut — Cool reception in 
Norwalk — Mr. Davenport, a New-Light — Opposed in Strat- 
field — Inscription on Robert Sandeman's Tomb — Gets among 
the Free- Will Baptists in Rhode-Island — The woman's 
account of an Arminian — Some fruits of his labour in Read- 
ing — Preaches at Hartford — Undergoes an examination at 
New- Windsor — Visited Mr. Whitefield's Tomb — Concluding 
Remarks. 

THERE are periods in a person's life, which, on 
account of some occurrences which have taken place, 
are more interesting than others. If we take a retro- 
spect of our past lives, we shall, probably, recollect 
events which seemed to transpire fortuitously, and 
yet those very events, trivial as they might appear, 
were connected with important eras in the future his- 
tory of our days. These are no inconsiderable proofs 
of a wise superintending Providence, which continu- 
ally guards and directs all our steps. 

Those who have read the preceding pages, have 
perhaps borne in memory the circumstance of Mr, 
Lee's meeting with a young gentleman in the south, 
who was a native of the state of Massachusetts, and 
with whom he conversed freely on the religious state 
of the people of New-England ; and also the solicitude 
which he expressed of visiting that part of the world. 
Since then we have seen him gradually moving on 
towards the very place which h« desired to visit j and 



106 MEMOIR OF THE 

by a regular progress in labour and in suffering, as well 
as in experience, his mind became more and more 
prepared for the arduous undertaking. 

He attended the conference in New-York in May, 
1789, and received an appointment to Stanford Circuit, 
but we may easily judge that in giving his consent to 
this appointment, he did not consult his ease or tem- 
poral aggrandizement. 

In attempting to pourtray the religious views and 
feelings of the people in the New-England States at 
that period, it will be necessary to apprize the reader 
that the revolutionary war, which had changed the 
civil administration of the United States, did not pro- 
duce any material change with regard to the ground 
which was occupied by the standing order of the Eas- 
tern States. It is true that the powers of ecclesiastical 
courts were circumscribed, and the right guaranteed 
to every one that he should worship God according to 
the dictates of his own conscience. But though this 
was the case, their ecclesiastical and civil regulations 
were so interwoven that the one derived support from 
the other. All who could not produce a certificate 
that they attended worship and paid for its support in 
some dissenting congregation, were obliged, by law, to 
pay in proportion to their income, to the standing and 
privileged order, the Presbyterians and Congregation- 
alists. All were born of these orders. Thus was 
their religion supported by law. And having long 
maintained these exclusive rights and immunities, and 
being exceedingly tenacious of their privileges, and 
the peculiarities of their theological tenets, they 
were prepared to resist any innovations which might 
be attempted. And as Methodism, in several respects, 
presented points directly at variance with their esta* 



BEV. JESSE LEE, 107 

Wished doctrines, it required no little intrepidity to 
enter their enclosure, and present, as must be done, a 
hostile attitude. A less resolute mind would have 
shrunk from so arduous an undertaking. But Jesse 
Lee moved under an impression that he was called of 
God, especially to this work ; and the result fully jus- 
tified his pretensions, and evinced the purity of his 
motives, and the rectitude of his conduct. Neither 
the terror of an established ministry, arrayed in all 
the armour of human learning, and supported as it 
was, by the civil authority, nor the anticipated oppo- 
sition of the majority of the people, who were known 
to be strongly attached to all their peculiarities, could 
intimidate or in the least dishearten the soul of Jesse 
Lee. In the name of God, therefore, he set forward, 
and on the 11th of June arrived in the state of Con- 
necticut. 

The first sermon which he preached in the state of 
Connecticut was in Norwalk. Here he found con- 
genial spirits who had drank at the same fountain with 
himself. For it must be remembered, that although 
from long custom the inhabitants had become generally 
confirmed in the principles w T hich had been taught 
them by their fathers, yet there were many excep- 
tions to the general rule, who were willing, like the 
noble Bereans, to search, " and see, whether these 
things were so." 

I have thought proper to make the preceding re* 
marks, in order to prepare the mind of the reader for 
the extracts which it is intended to make from Mr. 
Lee's Manuscript Journal. 

" Wednesday, June 17th, I setoff to take a tour fur- 
ther in Connecticut than ever any of our preachers 
has been. I am the first that has been appointed to 



108 MEMOIR OF THE 

this state, by the Methodist conference. I set off with 
prayer to God for a blessing on my endeavours, and 
with an expectation of many oppositions. At 4 o'clock, 
I arrived in Norwalk, and went to one Mr. Rogers', 
where one of our friends had asked the liberty for me 
to preach. When I came, Mrs. R. told me her hus- 
band was from home, and was not willing for me to 
preach in his house. I told her we would hold meet- 
ing in the road rather than give any uneasiness. We 
proposed speaking in an old house, that stood just by, 
but she was not willing. I then spoke to an old lady 
about speaking in her orchard, but she would not con- 
sent, but said we would tread the grass down. So the 
other friend went and gave notice to some of the peo- 
ple, and they soon began to collect, and we went to 
the road, where we had an apple tree to shade us. 
When the woman saw that I was determined to preach, 
she said I might preach in the old house ; but I told 
her I thought it would be better to remain where we 
were. So I began on the side of the road with about 
twenty hearers. After singing and praving, I preach- 
ed on John iii. 7. Ye must be born again. I felt 
hnppy that we were favoured with so comfortable a 
place. Most part of the congregation paid particular 
attention to what I said, and two or three women 
seemed to hang down their heads, as if they under- 
stood something of the new birth. After preaching 
1 told the people that 1 intended to be with them again 
in two weeks, and if any of them would open their 
houses to receive me, I should be glad, and if they 
were not willing, we would meet at the same place ; 
some of them came, and desired that I should meet at 
the town-house, the next time ; so I gave consentv 



KEV. JESSE LEE. 100 

Who knows but I shall yet have a place in this town 
where I may lay my head ? 

" Thursday, 18th, I rode about sixteen miles to 
Fairfield, and put up at Mr. Peufield's tavern, near 
the court-house, and soon told them who I was, and 
what was my errand ; the woman of the house asked 
me a few questions, and in a little time wished to 
know if I had a liberal education. I told her I had 
just education enough to carry me through the coun* 
fry. I got a man to go with me to see two of the 
principal men of the town, in order to get permission 
*o preach in the court-house ; the first said he had 
no objection, the other said he was very willing. How- 
ever, he asked me if 1 had a liberal education. I told 
him I had nothing to boast of, though I had education 
enough to carry me through the country : then I went 
to the court-house, and desired the school-master 
to send word by his scholars, that I was to preach at 
6 o'clock ; he said he would, but he did not think 
that many would attend. I waited till after the time 
and no one came ; at last I went and opened the door 
and sat down. At length the school-master and three 
or four women came ; 1 began to sing, and in a little 
time thirty or forty collected ; then I preached on Rom. 
vi. 23. For the wages of sin is death : but the gift of 
God is eternal life, through Jesus Clirist our Lord. I 
felt a good deal of satisfaction in speaking. My soul 
was happy in the Lord ; and I could but bless 
God, that he gave me to feel for the souls of those 
that heard me. The people were very solemn toward 
the end of the sermon, and several of them afterwards 
expressed, in my hearing, their great satisfaction in 
hearing the discourse. After Mrs. Penfield came 
feack to the tavern, she pressed me much to call the 

11 



* 10 MEMOIR OF THE 

next day and preach at her sister's, who, she said, wa? 
much engaged in religion, and would be much pleased 
with my manner of preaching. This appeared to be 
an opening of the Lord : so I told her I would. I 
stayed all night, and prayed with the family, who were 
very kind, and would not charge me any thing, but 
asked me to call again. 

" Friday, 19th, I rode to Timothy Wheeler's, about, 
four miles, and after delivering a letter to the woman 
of the house from her sister, Mrs. Penfield, she 
read it, and seemed much rejoiced that I had come. 
She then began to tell me how it had been with them 9 
and said there were a few of them that met once 
a week to sing and pray together ; but they were 
much discouraged by their elder friends, and that they 
had been wishing and prating for some one to come and 
instruct them, and seemed to believe that God had sen^ 
me. At length she said she was so rejoiced that her 
strength had almost left her, and setting down she be- 
gan to weep. Mr. Black, one oi our preachers, had 
been there a few years before, and some of the people 
had been wishing for the Methodists ever since. They 
spread the news as much as they could, and at 7 
o'clock the people met, and I preached to an attentive 
congregation. After meeting, some of the people 
stayed to talk to me about religion, and wished to be 
instructed in the ways of the Lord. I think five or 
six of them are truly awakened ; one, I think, has ex- 
perienced a change of heart ; but those under distress 
would be often saying, they were afraid they had never 
been awakened, I told them, if they saw that they 
were in danger of hell, and felt a desire to be born 
again, they might know that they were truly awak 
ened/" 



i . JESSE LEE 



111 



,iurday, 20th, I called at a house on the road 

lie request of the man of the house, and had been 

<here but a little while before an elderly woman 

aae in and says to me, ' And you are a man goint 
about to do good, I told her I tryed to do good, and 
so began to ask her some questions about the state oi 
her soul I came on to New-Haven, nine or ten miles 
from Milford ; I put up at Parmley's tavern. In thi.- 
city they have a Church and two Congregational 
meeting-houses, beside the Chapel at the College. " 

"Sunday, 21st, at 5 o'clock, P. M. I preached in 
the court-house, Amos v. 6. Seek ye the Lord, and y> 
shall live. I had a considerable number of men a 
meeting, among whom was the President of the Col- 
lege, and many of the students, and one Congrega- 
tional minister. We had not many women by reason 
of the storm that came up just as we were assem- 
bling together. I spoke as if I had no doubt but 
God would reach the hearts of the hearers by the 
discourse. The people paid great attention to what 
I said, and several expressed their satisfaction. Mr 
Jones asked me to go to tea with him, which invita- 
tion I accepted. While together, I told him much of 
our plan. 

" Wednesday 24th, I travelled a stony road to 
Reading, and according to direction, called on Esq 
Benedict, but he was not at home ; so I got my horse 
and rode to Mr. Rogers', to consult him about thr 
matter, and while I was talking to him, Mr. Bart 
lett, a Congregational minister came by, and being 
informed who I was, asked me home with him ; and 
after I had been there a while, he asked me some 
questions relative to doctrines, and I endeavoured t( 
inform him what kind of doctrines we preached : he 



210 MEMOIR OF TH£ 

next day and preach at her sister's, who, she said, wag 
much engaged in religion, and would be much pleased 
with my manner of preaching. This appeared to be 
an opening of the Lord : so I told her I would. I 
stayed all night, and prayed with the family, who were 
very kind, and would not charge me any thing, but 
asked me to call again. 

" Friday, 19th, I rode to Timothy Wheeler's, about 
four miles, and after delivering a letter to the woman 
of the house from her sister, Mrs. Penfield, she 
read it, and seemed much rejoiced that I had come. 
She then began to tell me how it had been with them 9 
and said there were a few of them that met once 
a week to sing and pray together ; but they were 
much discouraged by their elder friends, and that they 
had been wishing and prating for some one to come and 
instruct them, and seemed to believe that God had sen^ 
me. At length she said she was so rejoiced that her 
strength had almost left her, and setting down she be- 
gan to weep. Mr. Black, one of our preachers, had 
been there a few years before, and some of the people 
had been wishing for the Methodists ever since. They 
spread the news as much as they could, and at 7 
o'clock the people met, and I preached to an attentive 
congregation. After meeting, some of the people 
stayed to talk to me about religion, and wished to be 
instructed in the ways of the Lord. I think five or 
six of them are truly awakened ; one, I think, has ex- 
perienced a change of heart ; but those under distress 
would be often saying, they were afraid they had never 
been awakened, I told them, if they saw that they 
were in danger of hell, and felt a desire to be born 
again, they might know that they were truly awak 
ened." 



REV. JESSE LEE 



111 



Saturday, 20th, I called at a house on the road 
at the request of the man of the house, and had been 
here but a little while before an elderly woman 
came in and says to me, * And you are a man goinL 
about to do good. I told her I tryed to do good, and 
so began to ask her some questions about the state of 
her soul I came on to New-Haven, nine or ten miles 
from Milford ; I put up at Parmley's tavern. In thie 
city they have a Church and two Congregational 
meeting-houses, beside the Chapel at the College." 

"Sunday, 21st, at 5 o'clock, P. M. I preached in 
the court-house, Amos v. 6. Seek ye the Lord, and y> 
shall live. I had a considerable number of men at 
meeting, among whom was the President of the Col- 
lege, and many of the students, and one Congrega- 
tional minister. We had not many women by reason 
of the storm that came up just as we were assem- 
bling together. I spoke as if I had no doubt but 
God would reach the hearts of the hearers by the 
discourse. The people paid great attention to what 
I said, and several expressed their satisfaction. Mr 
Jones asked me to go to tea with him, which invita- 
tion I accepted. While together, I told him much of 
our plan. 

" Wednesday 24th, I travelled a stony road to 
Reading, and according to direction, called on Esq. 
Benedict, but he was not at home ; so I got my horse 
and rode to Mr. Rogers', to consult him about the 
matter, and while I was talking to him, Mr. Bart 
lett, a Congregational minister came by, and being 
informed who I was, asked me home with him ; and 
after 1 had been there a while, he asked me some 
questions relative to doctrines, and I endeavoured to 
inform him what kind of doctrines we preached : he 



112 MEMOIR OF THE 

said he could not invite me into the meeting-house^ 
because I held what he thought was contrary to the 
gospel. I told him I did not expect an invitation to 
preach in the meeting-house, but if I was asked, I 
should not refuse : however, Mr. Rogers sent his 
son down in a little time to let me know that there 
was a school-house that I could preach in, so I made 
the appointment that I could preach for the people 
at 6 o'clock. Having met at that hour, I preached on 
Isa. lv. 6. Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, 
&c, I bless God that I had some liberty in preach- 
ing. The old minister at whose house I lodged, is a 
great advocate for dancing, although he does not prac- 
tice it himself." 

From thence he rode to Danburj r , and obtained 
permission to preach in the court-house, twice on the 
same day. From Danbury he went to Ridgefield, 
where he was permitted to preach in the town-house, 
He also visited Rockwell in Wilton Parish, Canaan «, 
Middlesex, Norwalk, Fairfield ; and had some hope 
that the Lord owned the word preached at each of 
these places. 

The following extracts will give information of the 
further success of his mission. 

" Friday, July 3d. I preached at Stratfield, at 
the house of deacon Hawley : the house was filled 
with hearers. I had great satisfaction in preaching: 
and some of the people were melted into tears, 1 
felt my soul transported with joy: and it appear- 
ed to me that God was about to do great things 
for the neighbourhood. There are about a dozen 
in the place that meet every week for the purpose 
of conversing on the subject of religion, and of spend- 
ing some time in prayer; some of them belong to 



REV. JESSE LEE. 113 

the Church of England, and others are Congrega- 
tionalists ; they desired me to meet with them in 
the evening, to which I consented, and I spoke to 
them just as I would at one of our class meetings, 
and it was a very comfortable time. The greater 
part of them kneeled down when we went to prayer, 
a thing that I expect some of them never did before 
in public. They all seemed exceedingly pleased 
with the manner of the meeting ; and several thank- 
ed me for my advice, and, and desired me to re* 
member them in my prayers. The deacon's wife 
told me, that some of them had an intention of join- 
ing us ; I told her if they desired it, I could not 
object, though I did not intend to persuade them. I 
hope the Lord will direct, bless, and save them. 

u Saturday 4th, I set off about the middle of the 
<1ay and was much exercised about calling to preach 
at Stratford, sometimes I seemed to have no faith, 
but at other times I had a little hope that good might 
be done. At last I determined to take up my cross 
and make the trial. So I w r ent and put up at a 
tavern, and went to the man that kept the key of 
the town house, and obtained his consent to preach 
in the house. But he said he did not know much 
about the Methodists, they might be like the New 
Lights. I told him, I did not know much about them 
but some people said we favoured them in our 
preaching s Well, (says he,) ' if you are like them, I 
would not wish to have any thing to do with you. 1 
I asked him what objection he had to the New Lights. 
'Why, (said he,) 'they went on like mad-men : there 
was one Davenport that would preach and hollow, 
and beat the pulpit with both his hands, and cry out 
- come away, come away to the Lord Jesus Christ. 
11 * 



i 14 MEMOIR OF THE 

why don't you come to the Lord ! till he would foam 
at the mouth, and sometimes continued it, till the 
congregation would be praying in companies about 
the house :' for my part I wished that the like work 
was among the people again. I let a man have my 
horse to ride through town, and give the people 
notice of meeting. At sunset, they rung the church 
bell, and the people collected. The Congregationalism 
insisted on my going into the meeting-house, but I 
begged off for that time. I had a large company in 
the town-house. I preached on Eph. v. 1. Be ye 
therefore followers of God, as dear children. I was 
much assisted in speaking, I felt happy in the Lord, 
and comforted to see the people so attentive. When 
I was done Mr. Solomon Curtis came to me, and 
asked me to go and lodge with him, and wished me to 
make it my home. Another said he would conduct 
me to the house, and taking me by the hand, he 
walked all the way by my side. I don't know that I 
have had so much kindness showed me in a new 
place, since I came to the state. 

" Sunday 5th, I rode to New-Haven. At 5 o'clock 
we met at the state-house, at the ringing of the bell ; 
but some of the influential men insisted on my going 
into the meeting-house, so I gave consent. I preached 
on Job xxii. 21 . Acquaint nozv thyself with him, and be 
at peace, fyc. At first I did not feel very well satis- 
fied, being raised in a high pulpit with a soft cushion 
under my hands, but in a little time I felt the fire from 
above ; my heart was warmed, and drawn out in love 
to my hearers ; I felt great liberty toward the last 
and some of the people dropped several silent tears, 
and the countenances of many showed that the word 
reached their hearts. I had two of the Congrega- 



REV. JESS£ LhiL. 1 1. 

uonal ministers to hear me ; Mr. Austin, the ministei 
of the house, and Dr. Edwards, son of the forme: 
president of Princeton College. After meeting I 
game out, and some told me they were much pleased 
with the discourse ; but no man asked me home with 
him, I went back to the tavern and retired into a 
room and went to prayer, and felt the Lord precious 
to my soul. I did believe the Lord had sent me 
there ; if so, I was sure I should find favour in the 
eyes of some of the people. In a little time Mr, 
David Beacher came and asked me to go home with 
him, and said he would be willing to entertain me 
when I came to town again. I went home with him, 
and his wife, was very kind ; but his wife is not a friend 
to Calvinism. After dark, a young woman got her 
work and sat down to knitting ; I was, indeed, much 
astonished at this, it being Sunday evening, and spoke 
to her about it : they told me it was customary for 
the Congregationalists throughout the state, to com- 
mence the Sabbath on Saturday evening, and con- 
tinue it until sunset on Sunday, 

" Tuesday 7th, at New-Town, at the request of 
the people, I preached in the meeting-house. At 
the appointed time they rang the bell. A little after 
sunset I preached on Mark viii. 36. For what shall it 
profit a mart) if he should gain the whole world, and 
lose his own soid ? I had quite a large congregation. 
I suppose more than is common to be seen there oq 
a Sabbath day. I spoke quite loud and very plain. 
I felt happy, and my soul did rejoice in the God of 
my salvation. I spoke of the loss of the soul, and 
the torments of the damned, for some time ; I did not 
give them velvet-mouth preaching, though I had a 
large velvet cushion under my ha"nds. 



HG MEMOIR OF THE 

€< Wednesday 8th, I rode to Reading, and dined at 
Mr. Rogers* ; and after resting a while, I walked 
down to Mr. Bartlett's. The minister and a few 
people came in, and wanted to enter into a conversa- 
tion about principles, and inquired what kind of 
doctrines we held ; but 1 said but little to them. At 
length the minister came in, and the people requested 
him to give me leave to preach in the meeting-house, 
but he said he was not willing, and should not give 
his consent ; but if the people chose it, he should 
not stop it. Then he asked me, if I would be willing 
to take a text and preach my principles fully, for the 
people wanted to know them ? I told him, I was not 
willing to do it at that time ; and intimated to him 
that what I preached, I would wish to preach on a 
subject that I thought would be most for the glory of 
God, and the good of the hearers ; and told him that 
I did not believe a sermon on principles would be 
for the glory of God at that time. He then wanted 
to talk about Christian perfection, and said there was 
no perfection in this life. I told him, after a little time, 
that certainty no man of religion could say there is 
no perfection in this life, for, to deny perfection was 
to deny the Bible, and all revealed religion. I then 
made mention of a few texts of Scripture, which put 
him to a stand. The room was by that time, quite 
full of people, and he asked me again before them all, 
if I would preach upon my principles ? I looked 
upon it, that he asked me before so many people that 
he might have it to say that I refused to let my prin- 
ciples be known, because they were too bad to b«* 
heard; so I told him if I found freedom, I would on a 
future day appoint a time for the purpose, and preach 
fully on the subject. He observed that some of the 



REV. JESSE L£E; 117 

people would come to hear me out of curiosity.— 
Here some was offended because I preached the pos- 
sibility of being suddenly changed, from a state oi 
sin to a state of grace. 

" Wednesday 29th, I rode to Fairfield, and at C 
o'clock, I preached on John v. 40. And ye will 
not come to me, that ye might have life. I had a larger 
company than I ever had before, and felt pleased and 
comforted while speaking. The minister of the place 
had been complaining of our coming amongst them, 
and I suppose will complain more. Some of tht 
people began to have their fears that I intended to 
draw away a part of their church. Mr. Penfield 
asked me if my particular view was not to form a 
society in that part of the country ? I told him my 
particular view was to call sinners to repentance ; 
but if the Lord blessed my labours among the people, 
and they desired to join with us, I could not forbid 
them. As soon as I came out of meeting I mounted 
my horse and rode four or five miles, to Mr, L 
Hall's, a little above Stratfield. I found the people 
waiting for me, for it was then quite dark ; to whoa* 
I preached. During the first prayer some of the 
sleepers of the house gave way, and the people wen 
somewhat affrightened, but after prayer I moved to 
the passage, or entry of the house, and addressed the 
people. Both rooms and the entry were crowded with 
hearers ; and many stood in the yard ; all heard with 
attention. When meeting was over several remained, 
and talked a while. One who was a stranger, came 
and began to speak very much in praise of the ser 
inon, and told how glad he was to see me. 1 began 
to tell him I was a stranger in the place, and wished 
to see religion prosper. I find in this part of th« 



120 MEMOIR OF THE 

were attentive to the word. But some of the iubabi- 
tants seemed to be afraid to hear, because the minis- 
ter did not like my coming amongst them. Even the 
tavern keeper and his wife, where I always put up, 
made an excuse to leave home before I came ; and 
the reason, I understood, was because the minister 
complained of them for entertaining me. After meet- 
ing was over, a man came to me and said the women 
complained that I preached so loud that it made their 
heads ache, and they wished me to speak a little 
lower the next time I came : but I hope God will 
v/ help me to speak hereafter, so as to make their hearts 
ache. I rode to Mr. Well's and stayed all night. 

" Friday 14th. Stratfield, Well's New-House. At 
4 o'clock I preached on 1 Pet iii. 12. For the eyes of the 
Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open to 
their prayers. I felt an humbling sense of the 
goodness of God while I was speaking ; some of the 
people heard with watery eyes. I hope God will 
soon revive his work in this place, for the devil 
begins to roar. After meeting I observed that some 
of the people that always came and spoke to me, 
went away and took no notice of me ; and no person 
gave me an invitation to his house, which was an 
uncommon thing, for formerly I had various invita- 
tions ; but I understood that the poor things had been 
Imffetted by the ministers from the pulpit, and by their 
acquaintance in private, till they hardly knew what 
to do. One minister had been trying for two or three 
times in his sermons, to prove that a man could not 
fall from grace ; and another turned loose upon us, 
and said, from the pulpit, that there were six hun- 
dred of us going about the country, preaching damna- 
ble doctrines, and picking men's pockets. One of 



IlEV. JESSE LEE. 121 

the deacons of the meeting did not like it, and went 
and advertised the minister in the public paper, and 
informed the public how he persecuted us. This 
noise is not without a cause. I hardly ever knew 
much persecution where the people were at case in 
Zion. 

" Sunday 16th y we rode to Milford, and preached in 
the town-house, and endeavoured to show the neces- 
sity of a preparation to meet God. The house was 
crowded with people, and some of them appeared to 
be persons of note ; and they were very attentive 
to what was spoken, and tears stole down from sever 
ral eyes, while solemnity sat upon their countenances. 
I felt great liberty in telling the people what it was 
to be prepared to meet God, and the comfortable 
consequence of such a preparation, I hope my 
labours will not be in vain in the Lord at this place. 
When I was done, I came through the crowd, 
mounted my horse, and set off without having any 
invitation to call at any man's house. This is the third 
*ime 1 have preached at this place, and have not 
yet become acquainted with any person. If I can 
but be useful, I am willing to remain unknown among 
men. We then rode to x\Ir. Gilbert's, in New-Haven. 
lie and his wife appear to be God-fearing people. 

l< Monday 17th, I rode to Derby, and at night I 
preached on Rom. xiv. 17. I had a good company 
of hearers, which is more than I ever had before at 
ibis place. I felt happy in God, in declaring his 
word. O ! that God would revive his work in this 
place. I bless God that he yet keeps my spirits up 
under all my discouragements. If the Lord did not 
comfort me in hoping against hope, or believing 
against appearances, I should depart from the work in 

12 



122 MJEM0IR OF THE 

this part of the world ; but I still wait to see the 
salvation of the Lord, 

" Thursday 20th. As I passed through Danbury, I 
stopped and took the following account from a large 
stone, fixed at the head of a grave, 

"Here lies until the resurrection, the body of 
Robert Sandeman, a native of Perth, North Britain ? 
who, in the face of continual opposition, from all sorts 
of men, long and boldly contended for the ancient 
faith ; that the bare work of Jesus Christ, without a 
deed, or thought, on the part of man, is sufficient to 
present the chief of sinners, spotless before God : to 
declare this blessed truth, as testified in the Holy 
Scriptures, he left his country, he left his friends^ 
and after much patient suffering, finished his labours 
at Danbury, 2d April 1771, aged 53 years, 

6 Deign'd Christ to come so nigh us 

As not to count it shame, 
To call us brethren. Shall we blush 

At aught that bears his name ? 
Nay ; let us boast in his reproach, 

And glory in his cross ; 
When he appears, one smile from him 

Shall far o'er pay our loss.' 

" Monday 31st, I set out on a tour for Rhode-Island 
state, and it was my fervent prayer to God that if my 
undertaking was not according to his will, that the 
houses of the people might be shut against me ; but 
if my journey was right, that God would open the 
houses and hearts of the people to receive me at my 
coming. 

« I left New-Haven after dinner, and had got bu 
a little way from town before I fell in with a man tha 
was riding nine or ten miles on my way. He appearec 
to be a religious man, and encouraged me to go on t 



REV. JESSE LEK \2o 

Guilford, and call on Lieutenant Hopson. I did so. 
and Mr. Hopson met me at the gate, and as soon as I 
dismounted, he said to me, ' I hope you are a brothei 
in Christ.* I told him who I was, what I was, and 
whither I was going. It was then about sunset ; but he 
sent word to his neighbours, and soon collected a room 
full of people, to whom I preached. I felt my soul 
alive to God among these strangers, and some of them 
wept freely. Of a truth I perceive God is no respecter 
of persons. I found some lively Christians in Guil 
ford, of the Baptist persuasion, and could bless God 
that I came amongst them. 

" Tuesday, September 1st, I set out pretty earl} 
in the morning, and rode to Killingsworth, and called 
on Adam Staunton, and stayed till after dinner. I had 
hard work to get him to give his consent for me to 
preach in his house on my return, however, he sub- 
mitted at last. Then I rode to Saybrook, and obtained 
leave to preach in the school-house on my return t 
Then I crossed Connecticut River, and rode to Jason 
Lee's, in Lyme, 1 got there a little after dark, and 
was very kindly received. He is an old man, and a 
Baptist preacher; esteemed for his gifts and piety 
and much beloved among his people. 

" Wednesday 2d, it rained in the forenoon, and I 
tarried till the middle of the day ; and then making 
two appointments for my return, I came to New- 
London, and put up at Jonathan Brooks. I told him 
who 1 was, and that I had a desire to preach in the 
city at night. He immediately sent word among the 
people, and at night they collected at the state-house. 
My heart was much drawn out to God while I \va- 
declaring the necessity of the new-birth. Deep 
solemnity rested upon the audience, and some of tbf 



124 MEMOIR OF TH£ 

dear hearers wept greatly : I felt as if I was among 
the faithful followers of the Lord Jesus. My cry 
was, surely God is in this place. I had a large com- 
pany of people, of different ranks and professions. 
Every thing seems to prove that my journey is of 
God. O ! Lord, never let me blush to own thy name ! 
" Thursday 3d, I passed through Stonington, and 
crossed Pawtucket, into Rhode-Island state, and went 
to Mr. Stanton's, who kept the coffee-house in 
Charleston, Washington County. He was not at 
home, but his wife being a religious woman, I entered 
into conversation with her, and soon informed her 
that my business in coming, was to preach to the peo- 
ple ; so she sent word to her neighbours, and gathered 
a large room full ; to whom 1 preached, on Rev, iii. 
20. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock : &c* I felt 
some liberty in speaking to them, and some were 
melted into tears under the word. After the dis- 
course was finished, they began according to their 
custom ; and after singing, one said, *■ where the Spirit 
of the Lord is there is liberty V and now, you are all 
at liberty to speak. So they began to speak, one at 
a time, and several spoke, both men and women, 
during the evening. In the first place, they generally 
gave an account of their feelings, and state of their 
souls ; and would then express their sentiments 
respecting the sermon ; and observed that the} 
believed God had sent me to preach to them : and 
exhorted all the people, as well as the preacher, to go 
on in the ways of the Lord ; and sometimes they 
would call aloud, ' O my neighbour, (calling the per 
son by his name,) come to the Lord Jesus Christ/ 
And at other times, ' O brother, such a one, don't you 
feel for poor sinners/ All this they sung out in such 






REV. JESSE LEE. 

31 tone, that I could scarcely refrain from weeping. 
There has been a great revival of religion amongst 
them a few years past ; some call them « New-Lights, 5 
by others, they are styled Separates, some Seventh- 
day Baptists , because they keep the seventh day 
instead of the first, or the Christian Sabbath. They 
hold with baptising none but believers, and their mode 
is plunging. 

" Monday, 7th. I have found great assistance from 
the Lord of late : sometimes I have had no doubt, but 
that the word was owned and blessed of the Lord. 
To-day I have preached four times, and felt better at 
the conclusion of my labour than I did when I first 
arose in the morning. I have found a great many 
Baptists in this part of the country, who are lively in 
religion. They are mostly different from those I have 
formerly been acquainted with ; for these will let men 
of all persuasions commune with them, if they believe 
they are in favour with the Lord. I think the way is 
now open for our preachers to visit this part of the 
land. It is the wish of many that I should stay, and 
beg that I would return again as soon as possible, 
although they never saw a Methodist before. I am 
the first preacher of our way, that has ever visited 
this part of the country. The roads are very stony 
from Connecticut River to Rhode-Island, as far as I 
went." 

" Saturday, 12th. I rode to Wallingford, about 13 
miles from New-Haven, and went to Atwater Cook's, 
who went and obtained leave for me to preach in a 
meeting-house, that is vacant for the present. At 
night the people came together, and I preached on 
Acts xxiv. 25. And as he reasoned of righteousness, 
temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, & 
12* 



^26 MEMOIR OF THE 

I found hard work to preach to the people, and wai- 
led to fear that they were not engaged with God for 
themselves ; but the fault might lie in me. They 
have two meeting-houses and a church in this place, 
and one of the congregations has a minister, which a 
young woman told me was an Arminian. I asked her 
what principles an Arminian held — 'Why,' says she, 
c they hold, that if a man does his part, Christ would 
not be wanting on his ; and she thought that was mak- 
ing Christ half a Saviour.' I told her my principle 
was, that Christ would not be wanting on his part, 
provided we performed what he required of us. 

"Wednesday, 16th. Reading. At 3 o'clock, 1 
preached on Amos iv. 12. Prepare to meet thy God, 
O Israel. I feJt assistance from the Lord, and spoke 
with assurance in his name. I did not spare Calvinism , 
but bore a solemn testimony against the doctrine which 
so generally prevails in this part of the world, which 
in substance is this ; ' The sinner must repent, and 
he can't repent ; and he will go to hell if he don't, 
repent:' or, as a lawyer expressed it in my hearing, 
6 you must believe or be damned ; and you can't 
believe if you are to be damned.' But some of these 
people begin to see that something must be done before 
justification ; though some of the preachers in these 
parts, are on the new divinity plan, i. e. a man can'f 
repent till he is born again. From this doctrine, good 
Lord deliver me ! 

" Friday, 25th. I preached in Weston township, 
on Matt. xxii. 14. For many are called, but few an 
chosen. I had a very large congregation ; the house 
and yard were filled. I felt much liberty in speaking, 
and continued just two hours from the time I began. 
The people w r ere affected under the word. I laboured 



EEV. JLSSE LEE. J 27 

tu prove tbat all men were called to leave their sin- 
and that power was given with that call, to obey 
md that man was called before he was chosen. I had 
a Congregational minister sitting just before me, and 
a Baptist minister close to my left-hand, and while 
I was drawing the bow at a venture, and letting the 
arrows of truth fly, I found the ministers were greatly 
frightened at the noise of them, or else wounded by 
their barbed points, for they would turn and twist, and 
writhe, during the discourse, which proved that their 
feelings were not of the most pleasant kind. When 
I was done, the Baptist minister came and spoke to 
me, and said if he took my ideas, either he or I was 
in some very great errors, &c. An aged man told 
him he thought it was very ill usage, to speak in that 
manner before the people, for he believed that the 
people were well satisfied with what they had heard ; 
and his speaking might prevent them from being bene- 
fitted, and that if he had any fault to find with the dis- 
course, he should have taken me out and told me 
privately wherein I was wrong. The preacher under- 
took to speak a little more, but another old man began, 
and they soon silenced him. The other minister set 
off, and when he got to the door he turned round and 
said, ' he should set himself in order against the next 
sabbath-day, to expose the errors which his people 
had heard that day.' The hornet's nest is stirred up. 
and if they sting me or persecute me, I must bear if 
as they bore the arrows; but if I am shielded, they 
cannot hurt me. 

" Then I rode down to Strattield, and at night f 
preached on John x. 27. My sheep hear my voice. 
and I know them, and they follow me. I thought, when 
I began, that I would touch upon the danger of falling 



128 MEMOIR OF THE 

from grace ; for the people had often said that I was 
afraid to preach my principles. I began, and spoke 
^uite long on the subject, and with much satisfaction. 
The people heard very attentively, and some of them 
seemed to believe what was spoken. Then I had a 
kind of class-meeting, and spoke to about twenty per- 
sons. I then told them that if any desired to join the 
Methodists, I would receive them. The next morn- 
ing three women joined in class, and appeared willing 
to bear the cross, and to have their names cast out as 
evil for the Lord's sake. This is the first class I have 
formed in my little circuit, 

"Saturday, October 10th. Old Mills. At 2 o'clock, 
I preached on 1 Tim. i. 15. This is a faithful saying, 
and worthy of all acceptation, fyc. I felt some com* 
fort in my own soul, and the people were very atten- 
tive to the word ; and one woman kneeled down when 
I prayed, which is an uncommon thing in such anew 
place. Several persons asked me to go home with 
ihem after preaching, and spoke in a very familiar 
manner. I went home with a man of the place, and 
took tea ; and then rode to Stratford, and put up with 
Solomon Curtis, as usual. When I went in, his wife 
did not "ask me to sit down ; however, I took a seat, 
Tn a little time she asked me to drink tea, but I had 
no need. Her husband came in and spoke to me, but 
did not appear so friendly as formerly. At dark, I 
asked Mrs. Curtis, if her husband was going to meet- 
ing ? she said, ' she guessed not? so I went to the town- 
house alone, and was hard put to it to get a candle, 
but I bless God, I felt quite resigned, and not ashamed 
to own my Lord. After preaching, I returned to Mr 
Curtis', and found he had but little to say. He went 
to prayer without saying any thing to me ; and then I 



REV, JESSE LEli. 129 

*\ aited to see if he would ask me to go to bed. After 
some time he got up and asked me to cover up the 
fire when I went to bed. I told him I would go to 
bed then j if it were agreeable. I suppose the whole 
complaint was owing to my telling him, when I was 
there before, that I believed a man, after being con- 
verted, might fall away and be lost : for he is a stiff 
Antinomian. The next morning he lay in bed till late, 
and soon after he arose, I set out, without family- 
prayer or breakfast. I often wonder that I am not 
turned out of doors. 

" Monday 19th, I preached at Greenwich, but made 
no appointment to come again, for no one desired it. 
The priest and deacon of the place have taken much 
pains to convince the people of the evil of letting me 
preach in the parish ; and withal, they told the people 
that if the society is broken up, they must bear the 
blame. Poor priests ! they seem like frightened 
sheep when I come near them. There are about 
forty-five of them in the bounds of my two weeks 
circuit, and the general cry is, ' the societies will be 
broken up !' 

"Friday 23d. At David Olds', in Weston, J 
preached to a large congregation : the house was 
much crowded, though it was very large. I suppose 
the reason why I had so many to hear me, was owing 
to their minister's preaching against me two sabbath- 
in succession. The people heard me with great atten- 
tion, and many tears were shed, I had reason to 
praise God, that I felt my soul happy in his love, 1 
generally find, in this state, when I am most opposed, I 
have the most hearers. The Lord seems to bring 
good out of evil. If my sufferings will tend to the 

iierence of the gospel, I think I feel willing 



130 MEMOIE OF THE 

suffer ; but if I had no confidence in God, and as many 
to oppose me, I believe I should soon leave these 
parts. But once in a while I meet with something to 
encourage me, and by means of the grace of God, I 
stand. 

"Monday, December 21st, we rode to General 
Waterbury's, where I received several letters from 
the south, which informed me of hundreds, if not 
thousands, that have been lately brought to the know- 
ledge of God, in Maryland and Delaware states. 
Several of our preachers, Mr. Asbury among the rest, 
expressed a great desire for the welfare of myself, 
and my dear New-England hearers. My soul rejoiced 
in God while I perused these letters. O what ami! 
that I should be noticed by my superior brethren, 
and favoured by my gracious God ? Why am I not 
every moment devoted to the Lord ? Surely, if any 
creature in the world has cause to love the Lord, I 
have. 

u Thursday, 24th. I preached in Fairfield to a 
good company of people, i hope my Lord will yet 
give me some seals to my ministry in Fairfield, a poor 
hardened place ! To-night, thanks be to God, I was 
invited by a widow woman to put up at her house ; 
this is the first invitation I have had since I first came 
to the place ; which is between six and seven months, 
I did not accept the offer, though engaged to accept in 
a future day, if all should be well ; but at present, had 
to ride about three miles to Mr. Jennings' to visit a 
sick woman, who seemed determined to seek the Lord. 
More preaching places are opened for me ; nay, more 
than I can attend. O my Lord ! send more labourers 
into this part of thy vineyard. I love to break up new 
ground, and hunt the lost souls in New-England, though 



REV. JESSE LEE. 131 

it is hard work ; but when Christ is with me, hard 
things are made easy, and rough ways are made 
smooth. 

" Saturday, 26th. At night I preached in Stratford, 
with much satisfaction, to an attentive people ; but I 
fear that I shall offend some of them by urging the 
aecessity of being up and doing. These people don't 
like to hear that there is something for men to do i 
they had rather be told to sit still, and wait for Christ 
to call them with an irresistable call; they complain, 
and say they can do nothing. I complain of them and 
say, they might do more than they do. To-night the 
people were surprised at my speaking so clear and 
fast without notes. 

Monday, 28th. I preached in Reading, and found 
great assistance from the Lord in speaking : I felt that 
God was amongst the people, one or two kneeled down 
with me when we prayed. The Lion begins to roar 
very loud, in this place, a sure sign that he is about to 
lose some of his subjects. I joined two in society 
for a beginning ; a man who has lately received a wit- 
ness of his being in favour with the Lord, led the 
way ; and a woman, who I hope was lately converted* 
followed. Glory be to God that I now begin to see 
some fruit of my labour in this barren part of the 
world ; several in this place feel the want of a Saviour 
O my God I favour this part of thy vineyard with 
ceaseless showers of grace. 

"1790 — Friday, 1st of January, I rode to Wilton, 
and at night, at John Rockwell's, I preached on 2 
Pet. iii. 18. But grow in grace. I felt some freedom 
in striving to stir up the people's pure mind by putting 
them in remembrance, and to urge them to go for 
ward in the narrow way to heaven. Glory be to God. 



132 MEMOIR OF THE 

that he ever called me to work in his vineyard, and 
sent me to seek, and to feed the sheep of his fold in 
New-England. I am permitted to see another new 
year ; and, blessed be God, I find new desires to 
spend it to the glory of his name, and that in a more 
acceptable way than I ever did a year, in all my life. 
Sometimes I feel my heart so much drawn out in warm 
desires for the people, that I forget my dear friends 
and relations ; and if it were not for the duty I owe 
my parents, and the great desire they have to see me, 
I think I could live and die in this part of the world. 
The Lord only knows the difficulties I have had to 
wade through, yet his grace is sufficient for me ; and 
when I pass through the lire and the water, he is with 
me ; and rough ways are smooth, when Jesus bears 
me in his arms, 

66 Saturday 23d, I visited several families, and 
then rode to Stratford, and at night preached in the 
town-house, which was well crowded with attentive 
hearers. I believe I never had so many together in 
this place before. I did not spare Antinomianism ; and 
the word seemed to have free course to the hearts of 
the hearers. Oh that some precious souls may date 
their conversion from this meeting. I anxiously wish- 
ed to get hold of the two pillars of Antinomianism^and 
like Sampson shake down the building in which many 
thousands of souls are lodged, and sporting themselves 
in their wickedness : and if I were to die with the 
fall of that doctrine, I should think my death as ho- 
nourable as was Sampson's. Mr. Peck, asked me to 
his house, and I went. After I had been there a while 
two women came in, and one of them soon began to 
talk about inward religion, and told me that God had 
converted her soul a few weeks before, and she ap 



REV. JESSE LEE. 133 

peared to have a very clear witness of the happy 
change. Blessed be God for one witness for Jesus 
in this town. 

" Sunday 24th. At half after 10^'clock, I preached 
at the Old Mill, to a large congregation. I love to 
have the house tilled with hearers, let it be great or 
small. 1 believe generally that the word has more 
weight, when the people sit thick than when thinly 
scattered about the house. After meeting I sat out, 
and my soul was transported with joy, the snow fal- 
ling, the wind blowing, prayer ascending, faith 
increasing, grace descending, heaven smiling, and 
love abounding. If there were no other comfort pro- 
mised, than *uch as I then felt, I should think it my 
duty to serve God, and my chief happiness to live in 
such a frame as this. But, glory to God, this is only 
a foretaste of what is promised. 

" I rode to David Oldes', Weston, And at 3 o'clock, 
1 preached on Acts xvii. 30. And the times of this 
ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all 
men every where to repent. I insisted much on the 
willingness of God to save the world ; and that he 
never commanded any man to do, what he could not 
do. The Lord was with us of a truth, several hun- 
dreds were together : the house was large, but 
scarcely sufficient to hold the people, and some of 
them stood outside of the house with their hats off, and 
the snow falling on them, yet they seemed contented 
to hear the word. Most part of the assembly were 
very solemn, and many heard with tears in their eyes. 
Surely the Lord will not let his word fall to the 
ground or return void. 

" In this neighbourhood there are many real 
friends to the Methodists ; and a little below they are 
13 



134 MEMOIR OF THE 

engaged in building a preaching house for me, without 
consulting me on the subject. O what a mercy it is that 
God gives such a creature as I am, favour in the eyes 
of so many people in this part of the world. I under- 
stand by a friend of mine, that a tinker was among 
them a little time past, and inquired where he could 
get some work, and one told him that the Methodists 
were likely to beat a hole through the Saybrook plat- 
form, and if he could mend that, and wait long enough, 
he might be employed. I think we shall soon get 
such a hole in it, that neither tinker nor minister, will 
be able to stop it, so as to keep the people from seeing 
its flaws. Here I had more invitations to preach in 
new places ; but could not engage, for I had not 
time to spare. 

" Monday 25th. I rode to Reading, and at 2 o'clock, 
I preached to a large congregation, the hearts and 
eyes of the people were touched while I prayed them 
to be reconciled to God. 1 hope the fruit of this 
meeting will be seen in a future day. I suppose one 
reason why 1 had so many to hear me, was owing to 
the minister's speaking against the Methodists the day 
before. I was informed he talked to his people for 
some time, and told them, ' to take care how they 
heard other preachers, and particularly the Metho- 
dists,' but the people did not take his advice. I 
thought I would let them know my mind freely, and 
therefore told them, that I intended to form a society 
as soon as possible, and that I would give certificates 
to any one that applied, and receive into society any 
that were awakened, if they desired it. I suppose I 
shall not be forgiven for this shortly. We had a little 
meeting at brother Sanford's at night, and one man 
obtained a certificate to clear him from paying rates to 
his minister. 



REV. JESiE LEE. 135 

" Thursday 28th. I preached at Jacob Wheeler's, in 
Limestone, and after meeting formed a class, two men 
and two women ; perhaps these may be like the leaven 
hid in three measures of meal, that may leaven the 
whole neighbourhood, and many may be brought to 
say, I will go with this people, because we have heard 
that God is with them, 

" Friday, February 5th. The day was extremely 
cold, but I set out and rode about sixteen miles to 
Fairfield woods. At 1 o'clock, I preached on 1 Tim. 
i. 5. Aott' the end of the commandment is charity, out 
of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and faith 
unfeigned. The house was a good deal crowded with 
people, and the Lord was amongst us, and the hearts 
of some were touched, while they were constrained to 
hang their heads and weep. An old man said, that I 
preached just as their ministers used to preach, when 
they were lively in religion ; another said, I preached 
his mind exactly, for he could not believe in the doc- 
trine of election; and said that I need not be afraid, 
but what I would have hearers enough if I continued 
to preach as I did ; another said, he never heard a 
man that preached his mind so fully, till he heard me. 
I hope my God will keep me humble when esteemed, 
and faithful when despised. 

" Saturday 6th, I rode to Putney, four miles above 
Stratford, and put up with Captain Daniel Boothe, and 
at 2 o'clock at his brothers, I preached with great 
liberty and much comfort to my soul ; some of the 
strange hearers were much affected, and tears run 
down their cheeks. I was never in this place before, 
and now 1 am not alone, for God is with me. I feel 
as if I should be willing to spend my days in going be- 
fore my brethren, like John the Baptist, and prepare 
the way for them. 



136 MEMOIR OF THE 

" After meeting an old man came and spoke to me, 
and asked me why I did not go into the back settle- 
ments, and preach to the people that were not favour- 
ed with the Gospel, as they were in Putney : I told 
him my call was to sinners, and that I found many of 
them wherever I went. I then asked him, if all the 
people in that neighbourhood were converted ? He 
said, they had the means ; I asked him if any of them 
preached in Putney ? He said no, but they preached 
near enough for all to go and hear. I told him he put 
me in mind of the dog in the manger, who would not 
eat the hay himself, nor suffer the ox to eat it ; they 
would not come to preach in the place, and was not 
willing that I should ; at which many present could 
not refrain from laughing heartily. He said, *a busy 
body about other men's matters', according to the ori- 
ginal, was one that preached in another's parish with- 
out his consent. I told him the words might be well 
applied to him, in meddling himself with my preach- 
ing. He still insisted on the necessity of my going 
where there was no regular preaching, and where the 
people were suffering for the want of it, I told him 
if he thought that some ought to go to the new settled 
parts of the country, that he was the very man to go. 
He said he was too old : I replied, that a person was 
never too old to do good. We then parted, and he bid 
me adieu. When I came away, I asked what old gentle* 
man that was ; they told me, it was Mr. Birdseye, a worn- 
out priest, that preaches once in a while, and was but 
little admired by the people. 1 wist not that he w r as a 
priest, and no wonder that the people laughed, when I 
compared him to the dog in the manger, though I 
knew nothing of him. 

«" Saturday 13th. I set off early in the morning, and 
had more than 20 miles to ride, to a quarterly meeting- 



REV. JE SSE LEE. 137 

On the road, I was advised to cross a large pond on 
the ice, which, they said, would save me nearly a 
mile's riding. I suppose the pond was a mile and a 
half over: I saw the footsteps of other horses, that 
had gone before me, and had an old man's word withal, 
for my safety. Sometimes the ice would crack and 
split under my horse, as if he were going through ; at 
which he, as well as myself, were often frightened. 
It brought me seriously to meditate on the goodness 
of God, and his repeated promises to those who put 
their trust in him. O ! thought I, if I can trust my- 
self and horse on this ice, at one man's word, and by 
seeing the tracks of those that have gone before, 
surely, I may trust my soul on the Lord Jesus, who has 
promised not to leave me, or suffer me to be tempted 
more than I am able to bear ; especially, when I trace 
the footsteps of those holy men who have gone before, 
and borne the cross till death. Though the ice would 
crack as if ready to swallow me up, yet there was no 
danger, for it was very strong. Then I would cry 
out, O my soul, fear not, though thou art pursued by 
men and devils, thou canst not be hurt, while stayed 
upon the Lord Jesus Christ. 

" Monday 22d. Reading, at 3 o'clock, I preached 
on Luke xv, 32. For this thy brother was dead, and is 
alive again; and was lost, and is found. The Lord 
was among the people of a truth ; and, blessed be his 
name, my soul was quickened, and some of my hearers 
melted under the word. O ! that their tears may 
be noticed by the Lord, and all their wants sup- 
plied. At night, we held a class-meeting at A. San- 
ford's, which is the first they have ever had in the 
place. About thirty people attended, and I spoke to 
13* 



138 MEMOIR OF THE 

a part of them, and found some that seemed to be 
truly awakened. 

" Tuesday 23d. We sent for one of the neighbouring 
women to come over ; she came, and I talked to her 
about her soul : she was much distressed, and said she 
could find no peace to her soul. I prayed with her, 
and for her, and she wept freely. Surely, there is a 
great prospect of a revival in this place. O that the 
flame may catch from house to house. 

" Saturday 27th. We had our quarterly meeting at 
Dan-Town. Just before the time of meeting, a friend 
informed me. that there were three preachers coming 
from a distance to labour with me in New- England. 
I was greatly pleased at the report, and my heart 
seemed to reply, 6 blessed is he that cometh in the 
name of the Lord.' When I saw them riding up, I 
stood and looked at them, and could say from my 
heart, c thou hast well done, that thou art come.' 
Brother Jacob Brush, an elder, and George Roberts, 
and Daniel Smith, two young preachers, came from 
Maryland state, to assist me in this part of the world. 
No one knows, but God and myself, what comfort and 
joy I felt at their arrival. Surely, the Lord has had 
respect unto my prayers, and granted my request, 

" Wednesday, March 3d. Brother Brush went to 
see brother Roberts, whom we had left behind sick, 
and brother Smith and myself set out to the eastward, 
leaving brother Brush to supply my two weeks circuit. 
We rode to Joseph Hall's in Stratfield, and tarried all 
night. 

"Sunday 14th. Weathersfield, in the North Brick 
School-House, 1 preached on 2 Cor. viii. 9. I 
enlarged on the sufferings of Christ, and showed the 



REV. JESSE LEE. 139 

people how they, through his poverty might be 
made rich. Some of the people sensibly felt what I 
said, and tears ran down from the eyes of my hearers. 
Glory be to God, that we were favoured with the pre- 
sence of him who walked in the fiery furnace with his 
children. O that the Lord may revive his work in 
this place ! Here we met with a couple of old 
friends from Hartford,* Mr. Thomas Hildrup and Mr. 
Coop, who rejoiced to see us on our way to their city. 
They informed us, that the Lord was reviving his 
work in Hartford. My soul rejoiced at the glad 
tidings, and I was ready to say, ' Lord, we are well 
able to go up and possess the land.' I left brother 
Smith behind, to preach to the same congregation in 
the afternoon. I went on to Hartford, and put up at 
Mr. VVinship's, a private lodging prepared for me, by 
my two old friends. Here I was informed that seve- 
ral persons were awakened by my preaching, when I 
was here before. The hearing of this, seemed to 
humble my soul in the dust, and to strengthen my 
f lith. Ah ! Lord, what am I, that thou shouldest own 
my labours, and comfort my soul ! Not unto me, not 
unto me, O Lord! but unto thy name give glory. At 
2 o'clock they rang the bell, and we met in the state- 
house. I preached on 1 Thes. v. 19. I had a large 
company of hearers to speak to ; and glory be to God 
for his goodness to me in speaking his word. I felt 

* Mr. Lee visited Hartford on the 9th of December, and continued 
in the city two days; during which time he preached twice or thrice, 
to large and attentive congregations. He was much pleased with 
the visit, and was encouraged to hope, that God was about to open 
an effectual door for the preaching of the gospel by the Methodist* 
in that place His hopes were fully realized, for many were stirred 
up t«i inquire the way of the Lord more perfectly and to see that 
there was something in religion which tuey had never experienceif. 



140 MEMOIR OF THE 

xny soul happy in the Lord, and the people heard with 
great attention, and with many tears. I felt as if the 
word had taken hold of the hearts of the hearers ; 
and was greatly in hopes, that God would awaken some 
of the sleepy sinners. The comfort 1 felt at this 
meeting, was worth more than all the pleasures of 
this poor world. I hope this place will be famous 
for vital religion. 

" At dark we met again in the state-house, at which 
time I preached on 1 Tim. vi, 12. I felt a strong 
confidence in God, and had no doubt but what he 
would bless my well meant endeavours, and own my 
labours. Paul may plant, and A polios may water, but 
thou alone, O God ! canst give the increase. Some 
of the people were willing to give us the right-hand 
of fellowship, and bid us God speed in our under- 
taking. I left the people with a heart to pray for 
them, and to entreat God, for Christ's sake, to bless 
the word preached, to their souls' salvation. 

"Monday 15th. We spent the day in visiting the 
sick and the well, who desired our company. In the 
afternoon, I spent a few hours very agreeably with 
some persons who came to see us, in talking of the 
form and power of godliness ; but, according to the 
New-England custom, we spent a little time in talking 
about principles ; especially, the probability of men's 
being lost after they are converted to God. We met 
again at night in the state-house, where I preached 
on John xvi. 20. I felt great freedom in preaching 
from first to last ; my eyes were often filled with 
tears, and sometimes I could hardly keep from weep- 
ing aloud ; my soul fed upon the word, while I was 
endeavouring to feed the flock of God. We had 
more people in the state-houss this night, than had 



REV, JESSE LEE* 141 

ever been seen there on any occasion. They were 
very solemn and attentive, and many of them were 
deeply affected, and wept bitterly under the word* 
It appeared to me that God was opening the way for 
us to be received by, and greatly blessed to the peo- 
ple. After we broke up, several persons came and 
spoke to me, and begged my prayers. It has often 
been my prayer of late, that if our undertaking in 
visiting these parts, were according to the will of God, 
that he would open the houses of the people to 
receive us, and their hearts to receive our instruc- 
tions. Here my prayer is visibly answered. We 
have repeated invitations to call upon, and lodge with 
the people ; and they earnestly request our prayers, 
attend our ministry, and desire our advice. My 
heart is drawn towards the people in the eastern 
states. If the Lord opens my way before me, I 
think I shall visit them shortly. 

" Tuesday 16th. We obtained directions, and rode 
to Farmington, ten miles from Hartford, and was 
advised to call on old Mr. Woodruff, who lives at the 
edge of the town. We had been there but a little 
time before the old man began to talk about principles, 
and the old lady to fix dinner. We continued the 
discourse till we had dined. When the old man found 
out that we believed a person might foil from grace 
and be lost, he discovered a good deal of anger, and 
said, if David had died in the act of adultery, and 
Peter while swearing, they would have been saved. 
Then, said I, 'after a man is converted he is obliged 
to be saved, he can't help it? 5 Yes, says he, he is 
obliged to be saved whether he will no, for it is 
impossible for him to help it. He said, he would as 
soon hear us curse God at once, as to hear us say 



142 MEMOIR OF THE 

that God would give his love to a person and then 
take it away again. J told him, God never would take 
it from them, but they might cast it away. He said, 
if God sent the leprosy on a man, no one but God 
could take it away. So, says I, you think religion 
and leprosy are much what, sent as a judgment upon 
a person ? He did not know how to get clear, but 
seeing he was much ruffled in his temper, I thought it 
best to be moving ; so we asked him the way to Mr. 
Coles', but he would not tell us, for he said, Mr. 
Coles would not like his sending such men to his 
house. However, we got directions from his wife, 
and then set out. I shook hands with the old man, 
and told him I hoped God would reward him for his 
kindness. 

" Friday 19th. Brother Smith left me and went to 
Dan-Town after his horse. I rode down to Derby, 
and sent for the bell-man, and hired him to ring the 
bell, and inform the people that I was going to preach. 
A man of my former acquaintance came to the tavern 
where I was, and said he was glad to see me as a friend, 
but not as a preacher. I told him I had come to preach 
once more ; and that I had been visiting some new 
places. He said he wished well to religion, but did 
not like so many parties ; I told him there were three 
preachers sent to my assistance, and we had written 
for three more, and that I was in hopes we should 
spread all over New-England in a little time, lie 
said he was sorry to hear it. Now says he, ' 1 am 
in earnest, I am sorry to hear it.' He refuses to hear 
me preach, and for no other reason than this, he is 
afraid it will cause divisions. At night I preached, and 
after meeting, I rode home with Captain Baldwin, and 
tarried all night. 



REV. JESSE LEE. 143 

Ci Sunday 21st. After preaching in Milford, I rode 
to New Haven, and after the other meetings were out, 
they rang the bell for me ; and I preached on 2 Cor, 
v. 17. It was a very pleasant day, and a large congre- 
gation to preach to ; and they paid great attention to 
the word. The number of people that attended, and 
the liberty I felt amongst them, caused me to hope 
that God would own the Methodists in New Heaven, 
Lord hasten the happy time, I beseech Thee, and let 
these people be brought to a knowledge of them- 
selves, and of Thee ! 

At night, met at Mrs. Gilbert's for a conference 
meeting, and being often asked, I exhorted with much 
comfort in my soul, and some of the little number 
appeared to be much engaged with God. I have now 
formed New Haven circuit, for one preacher ; the dis- 
tance which the preacher has to travel in going round 
once in two weeks, is 120 miles. For this circuit we 
have to preach in three cities, five towns pretty 
thickly settled, and several country places. I have 
now gone around it, and made my own appoint- 
ments, and have preached seventeen times within 
the last fourteen days. Oftimes while riding in this 
part of the world, I have been brought to cry out, O ! 
that I had Whiterield's spirit, and could be as success- 
ful as he was. But immediately I hear an inward 
voice say, 6 you have need of a better spirit, than 
Whitefield's : then I am brought to say, ' O that I may 
have the Spirit of God for my guide and comforter.' 
If I have this it is enough. 

" Thursday 25th. Middlefield meeting, I preached 
on John iii. 17. I felt great comfort in declaring the 
willingness of God to save the whole world. And in 
showing what he had done in order to save all man- 
kind, many of the hearers gazed at me, and seemed 



144 MEMOIR OF THE 

to say by their looks, ' thou bringest certain strange 
things to our ears.' They paid great attention but 
I soppose they could not believe it all ; for many in 
these parts think, that Christ only died for a few : I 
hope truth will hew down Agag, and every Antinomian 
error. 

" 31st. I set out for Bolton, and I had rode but a little 
way before I fell in company with a man that began 
to talk about the times in Hartford. 1 told him, the 
Hartford people wanted but two things to make them 
comfortable, a little more money, and more grace : 
this was an introduction to a religious discourse. I 
told him there appeared to be a religious stir in Hart- 
ford. He said, there were two preachers who 
preached in town on Monday night, that had come up 
from the south, but they brought no netv thing. I 
knew that he had been to hear brother Smith and 
myself, I told him a preacher's business was not to 
teach any new thing, but to teach the people what 
was written in the Gospel. Ah ! says he, these 
preachers speak louder than our ministers, and raise 
their heads, and spread their hands, and hollow, as 
though they were going to frighten the people. I 
told him it would be well if they could frighten the 
people out of their sins. I parted with the man, and 
never told him who I was. I went to Captain Cone's 
and stayed all night. 

'* Thursday, April 1st. I talked to Captain Cone, 
about preaching, but could get no encouragement : an 
old man that lived just by came in, and expressed a 
great desire to hear me preach ; 1 told him if he de- 
sired it, I would preach in his house. He then excused 
the matter, and said he had appointed to settle some 
accounts with a man that day, so that it would not suit 
very well. I thought it would never do, to delay my 



REV. JESSE LEE. 145 

time in that way, so I got ready and rode off, and Cap- 
tain Cone went with me : when we had gone about 
two miles, we came to a large school-house, and many 
families lived in sight, so I concluded to stop and try 
to preach there. I went to the man who kept the 
key of the school-house, but he was not at home, how- 
ever, I obtained liberty of the woman of the house to 
preach at night. They told me that there was an old 
man in the place that said he was ready to starve for 
the want of preaching ; well thought 1, that is the 
place for me, for I am ready to starve, for the want or 
people to whom I may preach. I went into his house 
and was kindly received. At night I preached in the 
school-house to a few solemn hearers ; this place is in 
Bolton township, Tolland county. 

" Saturday 3d. I rode to East Windsor, and was 
advised to call upon Timothy Strong ; being a friend 
to religion, I inquired for him, and called at his house, 
and introduced myself to him after my common man- 
ner in this part of the country, by saying, 'lama 
travelling preacher of the Methodist persuasion, and 
have come in order to preach in this place.' The 
old man began after the New England custom to in- 
quire about principles. I passed a long and close 
examination, and after all, he could not give consent 
for me to preach in his house, though he had gene- 
rally made all denominations welcome that applied. 
He said he would go with me to a Baptist's house 
about a mile off, and see what he would do ; so we rode 
up to Noah Bissell's, and there I passed another long 
examination before him, but he did not like all my 
principles, and therefore, could not open his doors. I 
told him I generally made it a point to take no denial 
'with respect to preaching, and if I could not get in 

14 



H6 MEMOIR OF THE 

at one place, I made trial of another. The sun was 
then about an hour high, I told them I would go and 
try to get liberty to preach in the school-house. When 
I was about to go, Mr. Bissell said he would keep my 
horse, so I thanked him, and went to the man who had 
care of the school-room, but he was not at home. 1 asked 
his wife, respecting the matter, and got the key, and 
went and opened the door, and returned the key. I 
came back and told them what I had done, and they 
condescended to spread the news. At dark, we met, 
and the house was quite full of people, and I preached 
on John iii. 7. The people paid great attention to 
what I said. I suppose some of them were as atten- 
tive, as though they had been jury men upon a case 
of life and death. But I was afraid they did not pray 
for a blessing on what they heard. Some of the 
women appeared to be melted into tears. I found it 
to be a profitable time to me. O ! how often do I 
dread the cross ; and yet it never hurt me. I very 
frequently tind that after a heavy cross, I meet with 
great satisfaction. If I could have the comfort with- 
out the cross, I should often be glad, but if the com- 
fort is equal to the cross, as it often is with me, I 
wish for a heavy cross ; for I do sincerely long for 
great comfort. When I came from meeting, I felt 
happy in God, and resolved to make another appoint- 
ment to preach there the next morning at 8 o'clock. 
When I returned to Mr Bissell's, he told me he would 
then open his doors for me, if I chose to come again 
and preach. He entertained me kindly. 

" Sunday 4th. East Windsor. Again, at 8 o'clock, I 
preached on Matt, vi. 10. Thy kingdom come. I felt 
some encouragamentto hope that my coming would not 
be in vain. O Lord ! own the labours of thy unworthy 



REV. JESSE LEE. 147 

servant, and bless these people, to whom I have 
spoken. I rode down to Hartford, and ate dinner in a 
great hurry, and at half past 3 o'clock. I went to the 
court-house, and preached to a house full of serious 
hearers. It seemed to give springs to my faith, when 
I beheld the tears stealing down the cheeks of many 
of my hearers. T still believe God will abundantly 
revive his work in this place before long. 

" Thursday 8th, was a fast day throughout the state, 
for in this state they keep an annual fast in the spring. 
The manner of fasting .in general is to eat a hearty 
breakfast, as usual, then attend public worship in the 
forenoon and afternoon, without eating any dinner, 
and then have supper before night, so those that keep 
the fast, eat but two meals between sun rise and sun-set. 

" Friday 9th. I preached in Suffield ; while I was 
preaching a Baptist preacher came in, and after I was 
done, began to talk to me. by asking me, if I had a 
liberal education; I told him, I could speak the Eng- 
lish language, but was not perfect in it. He said he 
supposed I understood what he meant by a liberal 
education ; it was speaking the different tongues. I 
told him I could talk a little High Butch. He then 
desired me to give him some account of my conver- 
sion, and call to the ministry. I told him that it 
would be too tedious for me to tell the whole, but I 
could tell a part. So I began, ' I sought the Lord 
and I found him.' The old man broke out immediately 
without letting me speak any further, and insisted 
on it, that no man ever sought the Lord, before he 
was regenerated, and that God is always found of 
those that seek him not. The poor man soon showed 
that his nature was too much like his name, his name 
is Hastings, and his nature hasty. Some of the com- 



148 MEMOIR OF THE 

pany spoke to him about getting so high : he soon 
stopped and said, ' well we have got too warm.' ' O 
come, (says I,) don't persecute me, if you have got too 
warm own it ; as for my part, I feel very calm.' ' Well, 
(he said,) he would bear the blame,' I told him when 
I talked with people, I expected half the time to speak 
in, but he wished to take the whole; but still he 
insisted on it, that no man ever had a desire to be 
religious , till after he was born again ; for a desire 
to serve God, was serving him, I talked a little to 
him, but could not say much, for the old man has not 
much of what people call good manners, but would 
begin to talk while I was in the middle of a sentence. 
I would then stop and let him go on. I told the peo- 
ple, I would preach in town next day, if they would 
.meet me, and then we parted. 

" Saturday, 17th. I set out and rode a few miles 
into the state of Vermont, Windham County, and 
being directed, called upon an old gentleman, who 
appeared to be very kind, and willing to entertain me, 
but had no hay for my horse. He directed me to one 
of his neighbours, where they were to have meeting 
the next day. So I rode to Benjamin Lee's, who was 
very poor, but very kind. 

" Monday, 19th. I crossed Connecticut river to 
the east side, into New Hampshire, and came through 
a little corner of it, and so into Massachusetts again. 
I came to Northfield, which has about lifty dwelling 
houses in it. The day was very rainy, but I kept on 
to a town, called Montague, and put up at Lieutenant 
Gunn's tavern. They were very kind and friendly 
to me when they understood I was a preacher.* Here 
they knew nothing of the Methodists only by vague 
report, and some accounts which they had seen in the 



REV. JESSE LEE. 



149 



public papers, of the wonderful work of God among 
the Methodists in Virginia, between two and three 
years ago. 

" Saturday, 24th. I felt some inward comfort, and 
my heart was moved with love to God, when 1 took a 
view of his past favours to me. In my late journey 
I have met with many discouragements, and have not 
found so much satisfaction in Massachusetts, as I have 
generally found in Connecticut. 

" Monday, 10th of May, 1 met with brother 
Roberts, in Middletown. We then went to South 
Farms, and at 2 o'clock, I preached on 1 Cor. xiii. 
13. I felt much satisfaction in speaking, and hope 
our meeting was to the glory of God. Some of the 
people in this place are a little set against me on 
account of my speaking favourably of infants, and 
saying, that all who die. in infancy will be saved. 
Some of the Separates have spoken against me, both 
in private and in public; therefore I thought it 
necessary to give them a little reproof. I told them 
that people had a great deal to say against me, and 
one charge was, that I denied original sin. I told 
them that man was a fallen creature, and one argu- 
ment was sufficient to prove it, which was this : 
When the Papist began to persecute the Church of 
England, they ran out from amongst them, and 
brought the same spirit with them, and then began to 
persecute the Presb}^terians, who came over to New- 
England, and brought the same spirit with them, and 
turned upon the Quakers and hung them ; and be^an 
to persecute the Separates ; and now let the Separates 
take care lest they turn upon some body else. At 
these words many of the people smiled, and appeared 
well pleased. 

14 * 



150 MEMOIR OP THE 

"Tuesday 11th. 1 parted with brother Roberts, 
Then I came down to Haddam, and made an appoint- 
ment to preach in the court-house. The people 
behaved pretty well, and some of them were free in 
asking me to their houses. The Methodists were 
never in this town before. Some of the people wish 
to have them. O Lord ! send more of them into this 
part of thy vineyard, and send them speedily, if con- 
sistent with thy will. 

"Monday 17th, I rode to Milford and dined, and 
then came to Stratford, When I got in sight of the 
town 1 felt comforted. As soon as I crossed the ferry, 
I called at a house, and the people appeared as glad t® 
see me as if they had been my own relations. I gave 
out word that I would preach at night, and then came 
up to Mr. Peck's. When I got there, I found mat- 
ters better still, and I was informed that some, in that 
place, had determined to join the Methodists, This 
caused me to rejoice that ever I came amongst them. 
I felt determined to go on, and brake up more New- 
England ground if possible, and then leave it for my 
better and abler brethren to cultivate. 

" Tuesday 18th. I rode to Joseph Hall's in Strat- 
field, and there I met with brother Smith, At 5 
o'clock, I preached on Rev. xvii. 14. I felt much 
comforted in my own soul while speaking. The peo- 
ple appeared much more engaged in religion than 
what they were when I was among them last. Bro- 
ther Smith exhorted, afterwards I met the class, and 
found a sweet sense of the love of God in my soul, 
while the people were telling of the goodness of God 
to them. O! how I love the Methodists! I have 
not seen a class-meeting before for near three months; 
I often feel a wish to be always amongst the Metho- 



REV. JESSE LEE. 151 

dists, and yet am content to go before, and try and 
open the way for others to follow. Lord Jesus, go 
with me to the ends of the earth, and save me from 
sin to the end of my life. Amen and Amen ! 

"Wednesday 19th. Rode back to Stratford, and at 
night I preached, and brother Smith exhorted. We 
had a large company of solemn hearers. Then we 
went to Captain Peck's, and had a class-meeting, and 
joined a small class together, which is the first begin- 
ning of a class in this place. 

" Wednesday, June the 9th. We rode to E. Ward's, 
near Moose-Hill, in North Stratford Parish. We 
sent out and gathered a congregation, and at 5 o'clock, 
I preached on Mai. iii. 18. I was much assisted in 
teaching the people, and had cause to bless God for a 
sense of his love to my soul. The hearers were 
pretty solemn. Then brother John Lee exhorted 
with a considerable degree of liberty. W 7 hen meet- 
ing vvas over, Mr. Clark, a young Church minister, 
came and sat down by me, and said he supposed, by 
my preaching, that I did not believe that baptism was 
regeneration, I told him, 1 did not. But he looked 
upon it, that baptism was regeneration, and that when 
the child was baptized, it was born again. I told him 
if that were the case, then every unbaptized child must 
go to hell ; and then asked him how it could be other- 
wise. He tried to show how they might be saved by 
Christ without baptism, but could not make both ends 
of his argument meet. He then began about the 
power of ordination, and observed that all that were 
ordained by the bishop, were sent of the Lord to 
preach .the gospel. I argued that many who were 
ordained by the bishop, were wicked men, and I was 
convinced that the Lord never sent a wicked man to 



152 MEMOIR OF THE 

preach the gospel ; and that Christ, as a good shep- 
herd, never set a wolf over his sheep to guard them; 
and that a man, in order to preach the gospel, must 
first be called to the knowledge of the truth, and then 
to the work of the ministry. He said, if a man was 
called by the Spirit of the Lord to preach the gospel, 
then it would follow, that he would have power to 
work miracles as formerly, &c. O ! what a pity that 
any man should preach an unknown God. 

"Friday 18th. At Middlefield, at 7 o'clock, I 
preached on Eph. v. 1. It was a gracious season to 
my soul, and I believe to the souls of many of my 
hearers. I felt a longing desire for Christians of 
every denomination to be united together. I ardently 
wish for bigotry and party zeal to be done away. The 
Lord begins to own the Methodists in this parish. 
One young woman spoke with me, who appeared to 
be very happy in God, and said, the Lord had sent me 
to wake up her mind, and that the first time I preached 
in the place, she was awakened ; and after a few weeks 
of severe conviction, the Lord graciously pardoned 
her sins, and enabled her to rejoice in God. Bless 
the Lord, O my soul! that he has given me one seal 
to my ministry in this place." 

The writer fears that he should swell this volume 
"beyond designed limits, were he to continue to indulge 
his own inclination. As fir as possible, the journal 
shall speak for itself ; hut we shall content ourselves 
to finish this chapter with rather an abridged view of 
his travels for the remainder of this year. 

During the month of June, he resolved to extend 
his travels further thin he had heretofore done, and, 
particularly, he had Boston in his mind as one place, 
in which he intended to unfurl the standard of the 



REV. JESSE LEE. 153 

cross. He therefore, toward the end of the month, 
set out on his tour, visited Hartford again, and preached 
several times ; then he directed his course to Bolton, 
and warned the wicked to flee the wrath to come. 
He was then at some loss how to direct his course ; 
however, upon making some inquiries relative to the 
rout which he wished to pursue, he resolved to take 
Windham in his way. Here he preached to a solemn 
assembly, with much comfort to his own soul, and was 
earnestly requested by many, to tarry in the place 
several days; but finding it inconvenient to comply 
with their request, he hastened on to Norwich, and 
preached twice, but not without some fears that " the 
word was not received in faith by them that heard." 

He then visited N*ew-London. Here he could but 
thank God for bringing him among a people, once 
more, whom he dearly loved, and could own as breth- 
ren in the Lord. Though they were not called 
Methodists, yet he could claim them as his Father's 
children. After preaching in New-London several 
times with much comfort, he proceeded to Stonington 
Point, a place which had never been visited by a 
Methodist before. But here he was comforted in 
meeting with some who were "the dear people of 
God." He then went to Newport, and found some 
willing to give him the right-hand of fellowship ; a 
sure sign that they were profited by his ministry. 

From Newport, he went to Bristol, and preached ; 
and from there to Warren ; here he was invited by 
the ministers of other denominations to preach in 
their pulpits, and was treated kindly by the people 
generally. He then visited Providence, and preached 
five times in one private house, beside several sermons, 
which he preached in the court-house. He then direct- 



154 MEMOIR OP THE 

ed his course to Boston, praying that if his journey to 
the east, was of God, that the houses and hearts of 
the people, might be open to receive him. On the 
9th of July he reached the city of Boston, and imme- 
diately on his arrival, endeavoured to find out some 
place where he might preach, but although he con- 
versed with many on the subject, yet every expedient 
failed. He could get none to encourage him in his 
benevolent design ; none would put themselves to the 
trouHe of finding a suitable place where he might 
deliver his message to the people. Finding the 
persons whom he addressed on the subject quite 
indiiferent, he finally concluded that he would preach 
on the commons the day following. At the time ap- 
pointed, which was 6 o'clock, sabbath afternoon, he 
found a large, assembly, which listened with more 
attention and solemnity, than he had any reason to 
expect, considering the novelty of the scene. 

On Monday morning, he left Boston, not how- 
ever, without a resolution of visiting the place again, 
the ensuing sabbath. He rode to Salem, and preach- 
ed in Mr. Joshua Spalding's pulpit, to a large com- 
pany of attentive hearers. From thence he passed 
through Ipswich, and went to Newburyport, and 
according to direction called on Mr. Murry, a Pres- 
byterian minister. When Mr. Murry found out that 
he belonged to Mr. Wesley's party, he very politely 
offered to treat Mr. Lee as a gentleman, and as a 
Christian, but not as a preacher, viz. that he could 
not let him preach in his pulpit. His apology was, 
that he had been informed by letter that a preacher 
of the Wesleyan party, hid lately been up the Connec- 
ticut river, and that he had held meetings in four dif- 
ferent places, in one day, Mr. Lee informed him 



Rt.V. JF.SSE LEE. 155 

that he was the man who had been guilty of the 
crime of preaching in four different places, in one 
day. But although not successful in getting Mr. 
Murry's pulpit, he after much exertion, succeeded in 
getting the court-house ; at which place he appointed 
to preach on his return. From Newburyport, 
he proceeded to Portsmouth, which was then the 
metropolis of New- Hampshire. Here he preached 
to a solemn and attentive congregation, and some were 
truly thankful that he had visited that place. He then 
left Portsmouth, and returned to Newburyport. Here 
he found, that although he had obtained leave of the 
select men to preach in the court-house, when he was 
there before, yet, even in a few days, three of them 
had ch imred their minds, and were inclined to keep 
him out of it. However, in the evening the congre- 
gation assembled at the place, and one of the select 
men being present, opened the door, and Mr. Lee 
preached to a company of well behaved people ; some 
of whom were melted into tears before the conclusion 
of the sermon. Fearing lest they should form some 
objection to his preaching there in future, he resolved 
to make sure of one more time, and so appointed to 
preach at the same place the next morning at 6 o'clock. 
Morning preaching was a new thing in the place, but 
he had a great many to hear, and had reason to hope 
that many were profited by hearing, while he was 
blessed in speaking. After preaching, he called to see 
Mr. Murry, where he found Mr. Marshall, the Sepa- 
rate minister, and all agreed to go to the meeting- 
house and take a view of the remains of Mr. George 
Whitefield, which had been sleeping in silence for near 
twenty years, under the communion table, and just 
before the pulpit of the meeting-house. Having pro- 



156 MEMOIR OF THE 

vided themselves with a candle, they descended into 
the vault, and upon opening the coffin, they were ena- 
bled to witness the fearful change which the king of 
terrors makes upon the most perfect forms. On taking 
a particular view, they discovered his ears, hair, and a 
part of his nose had fallen off. His face was nearly 
in the common shape, though much contracted, and 
-appeared quite destitute of moisture, and very hard. 
His teeth were white, and fast in their sockets. 
His breast bone had parted, and his bowels disrobed. 
His wig and clothes, in which he was buried, were all 
decayed, except in a few places. Parts of his gown 
in which he was buried, still remained ; and were 
quite hard to tear. His flesh was black ; and, as might 
be supposed, destitute of comeliness ; yet it is said, that 
any person who once knew him, might discover some 
traces of his former likeness. After visiting this 
dreary mansion, which contains the mortal part of one 
of the greatest missionaries that ever lived. Mr. Lee 
contented himself by bringing away a small relic of the 
gown in which he was buried ; and prayed that he 
might be endued with the same zeal which once 
inspired the breast of its wearer. 

Leaving Newburyport, he went to the New Mills, 
and preached in the Baptist meeting-house. Here he 
received a letter from Mr. Spalding of Salem, inform- 
ing him that he had made an appointment for him to 
preach in his meeting-house that evening. He accord- 
ingly went to Salem, and fulfilled the appointment, 
and gave them a plain Methodist sermon. Here he 
was solicited by a man from Marblehead to visit that 
place. He hesitated at first, not knowing that an 
opportunity would be presented ; but upon second 
thought, he concluded to go and see them the next 



REV. JESSE LEE, 157 

day, which he accordingly did. Here, he had cause 
to believe that his preaching was made a great bless- 
ing to the people; for, says he, "some of them com- 
plain of being almost starved for the word." 

From Marblehead, he rode to Boston, and preached 
to about three thousand people, on the commons. 
" Blessed be God, (says he,) he made his quickening 
presence known, and met us in the fields." 

During the past week, he had travelled at least 
one hundred and thirty miles ; made his own appoint- 
ments, and preached ten times. But he found that not 
only public duties were important, but that private 
duties equally demanded his attention ; to discharge 
which, he found it needful that all his time should be 
employed. 

In this, his second visit to Boston, he not only 
preached on the commons, but also in a private house ; 
and on one occasion, in a meeting-house belonging to 
the Baptists, which was vacant. He also went to 
Charleston, to see if any there were willing to receive 
him as the messenger of Christ. Here he preached 
in a private house, and had reason to believe that 
many felt the weight of what was spoken. On the 
ensuing sabbath, he preached upon the commons in 
Boston again, to a much greater multitude than he 
had seen on the two former occasions. Although 
there had been a considerable fall of rain that day, 
and the earth was rendered quite wet ; he calculated 
that there were not less than five thousand present. 

From Boston, he directed his course back to the 

state of Connecticut ; and the first place in which 

he preached, after leaving Boston, was in Enfield; 

here he was much comforted with the presence of the 

Lord. Hartford was the next place which called his 

15 



158 MEMOIR OF THE 

attention ; and accordingly, he delivered a message to 
the people of that city : and went on to Middlefield, 
where a quarterly-meeting was held the 23d of 
July, within the bounds of the New-Haven circuit. 
Although, in this place, the Methodists had preached 
but a few times, yet the word had taken such hold 
upon the minds of some, that when an offer was made 
at this meeting, to receive members into society, six 
came forward, and boldly resolved to be Methodists. 

After travelling throughout many of the towns and 
cities, both of Connecticut and Massachusetts, and in 
the states of Vermont and .New-Hampshire, and 
preaching day and night, labouring indefatigably for 
the good of souls, in a part of the country where the 
Methodists were either not known at all, or merely 
from distant rux>or ; encountering with difficulties, 
which nothing but the most undaunted resolution 
could withstand, he makes these remarks : 

"Here I may stop and look back on the year that 
is past. But when I consider on the many dangers 
I have passed through, the many mercies I have 
received, and the man}' moments I have not improved, 
I stand amazed at myself, and astonished at the good- 
ness of God to me. It is now sixteen months and 
eigth days, since our last conference, and in this time, 
I have travelled several thousand miles, and preached 
in six states, and in chief part of the large towns in 
New-England. In most places, I have met with a 
much kinder reception than I could have expected, 
among persons holding principles so different from 
mine; but yet I have been much opposed, and have been 
under the disagreeable necessity of spending much of 
my time in talking on controverted points, sometimes 
in public and oftimes in private. When I was opposed, 



REV. JESSE LEE. 159 

if I discovered an inclination to wave the discourse, 
they would immediately conclude that my principles 
were so bad that 1 was afraid to let them be known ; 
and if I were silent, all would go for the truth. For 
these reasons, 1 have been led to debate the matter 
with the principal part of those who have spoken to 
me with a calm spirit, I have generally quietness of 
mind while conversing on doctrinal points, and oftimes 
seemed to be immediately assisted from heaven ; and 
answers have been put in my mouth, that were not 
familiar to me, when strange questions have been 
asked. I was enabled to go through all my hardships 
with great satisfaction, and was much blessed in 
preaching to the people ; and the Lord gave me to 
see some visible fruit of my labours, in the awakening 
and conversion of some precious souls," 



CHAPTER XI. 



He attends the Conference at .New-York. — Receives Ordina- 
tion. — Is appointed to Boston. — Hears of the death of his 
mother. — The affliction which his mind sustained on 
receiving this melancholy intelligence. — Receives a friendly 
letter from Lynn. — Difficulties in Boston. — His finances get 
low. — Raises a Society in Lynn. 

J.N the month of October 1790, Mr. Lee attended 
the conference held in the city of New-York. When 
taking leave of his friends in the New- England 
states, he was not fully resolved in his mind, whether 
or not he should immediately return to them again. 
This contingency always attends those who are engaged 
in the itinerant field. Those whose business it is to 
assign to the preachers their respective stations, find 
it necessary to change them, according as the expe- 
diency or necessity of the case may be. To this 
feature in our economy we are indebted, under God, 
for much of our success, in building up the church of 
Christ. When Mr. Lee attended the conference, he 
did not forget to intercede for the people of New-Eng- 
land. In a private interview with Mr. Asbury, which 
lasted three hours, he endeavoured to set forth, with 
all the arguments he could use on the occasion, the 
necessity of sending a supply of labourers into that 
section of the work. The bishop listened to his 
appeal with a candid ear, and a heart ever ready to feel 
for the state of Zion, and a disposition to use every effort 
for the spread of the Gospel, and to promote the inte- 

15* 



162 MEMOIR OF THE 

rests of the church, granted his request, and sent several 
active and zealous men to the New- England states, 
and the subject of this Memoir was appointed to 
Boston, 

At this conference he gave his consent to receive 
ordination. He accordingly was first ordained deacon 
in private, and the day following was ordained elder 3 
publicly, with others. 

He had frequently expressed a wish that if ever he 
were ordained, that it might be in a plain manner, 
that the Bishop might not have on his gown or band. 
Every thing was according to his wish, his prayer was, 
" That the preachers might ever labour for a plain 
dress, and a humble heart." 

It may appear strange to some, why he refused to 
receive ordination until this period, having been 
eligible five years previous to the time of his being 
ordained. The only answer which can be made to 
this inquiry is, that he did not feel his mind free to it ; 
not that he called in question the validity of the ordi- 
nation of the Methodist Episcopal Church. This, I 
believe, was foreign to his mind. Feeling his own 
unworthiness, he was cautious in treading on such 
holy ground. It was a matter, with him, which re- 
quired the most mature deliberation. 

We may safely conclude that he gave his consent at 
a very seasonable period. Travelling in a place, and 
among a people who had been strangers to the Me- 
thodists ; engaged in forming new societies, to whom 
it was necessary to dispense the ordinances of the 
Lord's house ; those who should be raised up under 
his ministry would naturally look up to him for the 
full exercise of ministerial functions, which might be 
the means uf strengthening their confidence in the 



RET. JESSE LEE. 163 

minister, and confirming them in the faith of the gos- 
pel. 

Novices in the ministry, not unfrequently abuse 
their trust, and their inexperience betrays them into 
errors ; but the man whose judgment is matured, hav- 
ing learned in the school of experience, improved in 
knowledge and refined by grace ; we may expect 
from him a careful attendence to the important duties 
incumbent on him. 

Wednesday, 13th, of October, he received the 
mournful intelligence, that his mother was no more 
among mortals ; having departed this life on the 14th, 
of September. He now found himself bereft of an 
affectionate parent, whom he was never to behold 
again in time. The effect which this intelligence had 
upon his mind cannot be more feelingly expressed 
than in his own words. 

u This account drew tears from my eyes, and caused 
me many a heavy sigh, but I could not doubt of the 
happiness of my mother: she has professed to know 
the Lord to the pardon of her sins upwards of seven- 
teen years, and has proved by her life, that she pos- 
sessed that religion which she professed. When I 
was at home last, which was about two years and a 
half ago, she appeared to be a mother in Israel, and 
much alive to God. She was quite willing to give up 
my brother John and myself to go and preach the 
gospel, though it caused her many a bitter tear at 
parting with us. O! may I always be ready for death, 
though it should come at an unexpected hour. I was 
much confused in my mind, scarcely knowing whetheF 
it would be best for me to return to New-England, 
or to go home. I tried to give myself to God in prayer, 
and to beg for instruction ; at last I concluded that 



164 MEMOIR OF THE 

it would be best for my brother John to go to Virginia, 
and for me to go to Boston, according to appointment. 

u Friday, 15th. Brother John left the city and 
set off for home. I went with him to the ferry, and 
stood and looked after him for awhile, and then 
returned with a sorrowful heart : the parting with 
him appeared to be almost as distressin g as the news 
of my mother's death." 

On Tuesday the 19th, he left the city, and set out 
on his journey, to the north. That day at 4 o'clock, 
P. M, he preached at JNew-Rochelle. The next day 
he travelled as far as North Castle, and preached at 
3 o'clock. The day after, he rode to Bedford, and 
preached at 12 o'clock ; and at 4 o'clock he preached 
in Dan-Town, where he was enabled to meet with 
some of his old friends, who were much pleased at 
his return. Here for the first time he baptized a child, 
and administered the Lord's Supper to a few commu- 
nicants ; he also visited Stanford, Middlesex, Wilton, 
Reading, New-Town, New- Stratford, Putney, Mil- 
ford, Wallingford and Middlefield. At the latter place 
he baptized one woman and twelve children, and had 
a solemn time in the ordinance. From Middleh'eld, 
hewenttoMiddletown,to South-Farms, Weafchersfield, 
and Hartford. At the last of which places he formed 
a society. From Hartford he get out for Boston, and 
arrived there the 13th of November ; the next day 
being Sunday, and having no place in which he could 
preach during the day, he went to hear a Universalist, 
but was far from being benefitted by his discourse. 
At night he preached to a small company in a private 
house. 

" The following part of the week, (says he, ) I met 
with great and heavy trials, I took much pains in 



REV. JESSE LEE. 165 

trying to get a house to preach in ; but all in vain. A 
few of the friendly people, made a little move also, 
but did not succeed. One of the greatest friends that 
I had in town when I was here before, did not come 
to see me now, and when I went to see him, would 
scarcely take any notice of me. I met with difficul- 
ties and troubles daily, yet I put my trust in God, and 
in general, was confirmed in the opinion that God 
would bless my coming to Boston. I spent one even- 
ing with Mr. John Carnes, merchant, who treated me 
with great politeness, and said he would assist me in 
any thing that he could. The greater part of the 
week was wet, so that I could go out but little. My 
cry was ' Lord help me.' 

" Monday, 22d. I felt determined to try every 
prudent means to procure a place to preach in, but 
I was quite disappointed. Perhaps the Lord sees it 
best for me to be tried in this manner, though it is 
painful to me to be so idle. 

" Monday, 29th. We had a letter from a gentle- 
man in Lynn, who desired me to come and see him, 
and gave me some encouragement, for he said, he had 
a desire to hear some of the Methodists preach. I then 
began to think that the Lord was about opening a way 
for me to preach in that place. I made some inquiry 
about a place in Boston ; and told some of my best 
friends, that if they could not get a place, I would go 
myself and try and do the best that I could. I began 
to think the Lord would grant me my request, and 
provide me a place to preach in. 

" Tuesday, 30th. A man went with me to the 
high sheriff, and we asked for liberty to preach in the 
court-house. He said he could not give leave him- 
self, but that the Clerk of the Court had the disposing 



166* MEMOIR OF THE 

of the house, and we must apply to him. So we went 
to the Clerks and told him what we wanted, but he very 
abruptly refused. After hearing him talk awhile, 
we left him, and I felt more discouraged than ever ; 
yet if I am right the Lord will provide for me. 

" Thursday, 2d of December. At night one of 
my friends came home with me, and told me, he had 
used every means he could, to get a particular school- 
house for me to preach in, but had at last received 
a plain denial, and it was given up. This with all the 
other denials, bore pretty heavy on my mind, and I 
began to doubt again whether I ought to be in this 
place or not. 

" Monday, 13th. About 2 o'clock, I left Boston 
and went in the stage to Benjamin Johnson's, in Lynn, 
about twelve miles. I got there a little after dark, 
and was very gladly received by him and his family. 
I felt as though I was at home, as soon as I arrived. I 
had not been there long, before he expressed a desire 
of having a Methodist society set up in the town, 
though he had not heard a Methodist preach for 
nearly twenty years. In this place I found several 
persons that had heard some of our preachers in the 
south, in past years. Some of the people consider 
it as a very favourable providence, that I have come 
to Lynn at this time, and they bid me welcome with a 
cheerful heart, 

" Tuesday, I4th. At night, at Mr. Johnson's, I 
preached on John iii. 1 7. For God sent not his Son 
into the world to condemn the world ; but that the world, 
through him, might be saved, I had a good many 
hearers, and great freedom in preaching, I bore a 
public testimony against unconditional election and 
reprobation ; and maintained that Christ died for all 



REV. JESSE LEE. JG7 

men, without respect to persons. I felfmuch of the 
power and love of God, and earnestly begged the 
people to turn from their sins, and come to Christ. 
The hearers were very attentive, and a few of them, 
seemed to be somewhat affected. Bless the Lord O 
my soul ! for bringing me among this people. 

" Monday, 10th. I spent the day at Mr. Johnson's* 
and in the evening, rode to Mr. Lye's, at Wood-End, 
about one mile ; and ?it dark I preached on Gal. vi. 7. 
The house was well filled with people and a considera- 
ble number of aged persons were present, and several 
of the Qu. kers were there. J felt a great enlarge- 
ment of heart, and much of the divine presence., 
whilst I was warning the people not to be deceived. 
The presence of God was in the assembly, some of the 
hearers appeared to be greatly lifted up with love and 
thankfulness. O ! that God may contiuue these seri- 
ous impressions, on their minds, till they are brought 
to the knowledge of God. I have not met with a 
company of people for a long time that had so much 
the appearance of a Methodist congregation as this. 

" Wednesday, 22d. I was much pressed by some 
persons, to stay longer, and when they found that I 
could not, they earnestly begged me to come among 
them again as soon as possible. Several talked strongly 
of forming a Methodist society. I let them have our 
rules, and left them to think further about it. We 
then set out in a sleigh and had a very cold, disagree- 
able ride to Boston. When I arrived in Boston, every 
thing appeared as dark as when I left it, respecting 
my preaching. I had to get a new boarding place. 
When I settled my past boarding I had two shillings 
and a penny left, which was all that 1 had. Some 
days before, I felt concerned about my purse, not 



168 MEMOIR OF THE 

knowing; that there was enough in it to discharge the 
debt due for my board. I was unwilling to let the 
people know that my money was just gone, for fear 
they should think it was money only that I was after. 
But I soon felt confidence in God, that he would pro- 
vide for me, though I knew not how. However, a 
man in Lynn offered to buy a Magazine that I had for 
my own use, I very willingly parted with it, and by 
that means, was enabled to discharge the debt. And 
\( I can always have two shillings by me, beside paying 
all I owe, I thiuk I shall be satisfied." 

The remaining part of this year, and the year fol- 
ing, until the latter part of the month of May, his 
labours were principally in the following places, viz. 
Boston, Lynn, Marblehead, Dan vers, Manchester, 
Beverly, Cape Ann Harbour, Ipswich, Hamlet, and 
Salem. 

Who would have anticipated such serious impedi- 
ments as Mr. Lee found in the city of Boston ? Pre- 
judice and bigotry, held such dominion over the 
minds of these good Christian people, that no house 
of worship, not even a school-house, could be pro- 
cured for a Methodist preacher. He solicited, and 
was repulsed. But under all these discouraging cir- 
cumstances, reduced, in the midst of strangers, to 
only two shillings in money, he resolved not to leave 
the place. Here he lingered until he bore his testi- 
mony for Jesus. His preaching was not in vain in 
the Lord. Some were touched under the word, and 
brought to feel the force of divine truth. And let 
the Methodists of Boston, who now enjoy such dis- 
tinguished privileges, recollect that they are indebted, 
under the blessing of God, to the indefatigable per- 
severance of Jesse Lee, amidst neglect and insults, 
for their first establishment. 



REV. JESSE LEE. IG'3 

In Lynn, only twelve miles distant from Boston, how 
different the prospect ! Here he was received with 
affection and cordiality. Many received the word 
with gladness, and like the noble Berian's were wil- 
ling to * search and see whether these things were 
so,* It will be seen from an extract from his Journal, 
that several persons in Lynn had formed a resolution, 
to become members of the Methodist church as soon 
as a convenient opportunity should be offered. Mr. 
Lee having given them sufficient time to become 
acquainted with our doctrines, and to make up their 
minds fully on the subject, he opened the door for 
their admission, and organized them into a society. 
This was on the 20th of Febri^uy, 1791, and on the 
27th of the same month an acquisition of several 
others was made to their numbers.* 

In Macblehead, Ipswich and other places he with 
much difficulty made out to preach ; but he could 
scarcely move a step without being entangled in a 

* While speaking of Lynn, we take the liberty of subjoining a short 
history of the progress of Methodism in that place. On the 14th day 
of December 1790, Mr. Lee visited Lynn and preached. He pro- 
videntially arrived at a most seasonable period, and the word preach- 
ed was singularly blessed. In a little more than two months, a Me- 
thodist society was formed, which within one week amounted to more 
than thirty members, and in the course of the ensuing May, upwards 
of seventy persons took certificates showing that they attended the 
ministry of the Methodists. This was necessary to free them from 
paying their regular quota to the ministers of the standing order. 

The society, rtsolred to provide a place for public worship, in the 
building of which there was more dispatch used than is common oa 
such occasions. According to Mr. Lee's own amount it was begaa 
on the 14th of June, raised on the 21st, and dedicated on the 2tftk 
of the same month. This was the fir ? t Methodis; Meeting-House 
ever built in the state of Massachusetts. 

It was not until July, 1792, that a society was formed in Boston 
For a more particular account, see Lee's History of the Methodist 
in America, 

16 



170 MEMOIR OF THE 

knot of committeemen. These guardians of the town 
laws and privileges, constantly watched the move- 
ments of other ministers. IVlr. Lee scarcely ever 
found them in a humour to give their unanimous con- 
sent for him to preach in the houses over which they 
had the guardianship ; but very frequently while they 
wf re deliberating upon the expediency, or inexpedi- 
ency of his preaching, some friendly person would 
ot.^ his doors, and Mr Le preached to numbers who 
fldckeo* froni every direction to hear the word. 

The following extracts from his journal will give 
the reader ^ome idea of his difficulties, as well as the 
success of his ministry. 

u Saturday, April 16th. I rode to Salem ant! cal- 
led upon Mr. Hopkins, in whose meeting-house I had 
frequently preached He told me that some of the 
people were uneasy about my preaching, and thought 
it would not do to encourage me, by letting me preach 
in their meeting-house. He said he could not find 
any thing particularly, that they had against me, but he 
was forced to comply with their desires. He said, 
as to himself he wanted me to preach, and was very 
sorry that I could not; assuring me that for his own 
part he had not objection and he hoped I would not 
take it amiss. So I thanked him for the use of his 
pulpit till then, and he thanked me for my preaching 
amongst them ; so we parted in friendship. I went to 
two of the select men, and asked for the court-house, 
to preach in. They gave their consent, but said, they 
could not determine on the matter till they all irot 
together : so I left them to determine the next time 
they met. Then I rode to Lynn. 

" Sunday, 17th. At Benjamin Johnson's, 10 
<v clock, I preached on Psa, cxxvi. 5, C. We had a 



REV. JFSSE LEE. 171 

weeping time, and a very solemn meeting. Then at 
£ o'clock, 1 Tim. v. 2?. Keep thyself pure. 
I found much satisfaction in speaking on this subject. 
After preaching I met the women's class, and had rea- 
son to hope that their desires were increasing to do 
the will of heaven. Then at night I preached in the 
meeting-hou^e for the first time, on Isa. lv. 7. I had 
a very full house and spoke with a great deal of free- 
dom. I had many to hear me that seldom come to 
our meetings. Yesterday I was denied the use of a 
pulpit in which I had frequently preached ; and 
to day, I have obtained liberty to preach in a pulpit, 
where I have never preached before ; so it is, I 
pass through good and evil report, I have prosperity 
enough to keep my spirits from sinking, and adversity 
sufficient to keep me from being exalted above 
measure. 

" Monday, 18th. I rode to Boston, and at night, in 
a private house at the north end, I preached on 1 
Cor, xv. 33. I had more hearers than I commonly 
have at this place, and they were very attentive. I 
believe the word reached some of their hearts. 

" Tuesday, 19th. I tarried in town, and at night at 
the same place, I preached on Gal. iii. 9. The just 
shall live by faith. We had much of the Divine pre- 
sence amongst us. and 1 felt much inward peace, and 
an increase of faith. The people were more affected 
than they have generally been in this house ; and 
they expressed a greater regard for me, and appeared 
to be more friendly than usual. I am still led to hope 
that the Lord will open the hearts of these people to 
attend the word speken by the Methodists, but let the 
Lord work by whom he will. 



172 3IE&0XR OF THE 

"Monday, §th of May. I met the men's class in 
Lynn, in the morning, and they seemed lively and 
very humble. We had a sorrowful parting. It is not 
quite five months since I first preached in this place, 
and there are now in society fifty-eight members. 
About 10 o'clock, the men who generally attend on 
my preaching, came to me and obtained certificates, 
to show that they attended public worship with the 
Methodists, and contributed to the support of their 
ministry. After dinner I prayed with those that 
were present, and then bid them all farewell* and set 
eut for conference at New- York ^' 



CHAPTER XII. 



Attends Conference in New-York— Is appointed Elder of 
New-England District— 1792, Conference in Lynn-— General 
Conference in Baltimore — James O'Kelly withdrew — Con- 
ference in Alexandria — Visits his friends in Virginia — Makes 
collections for building a Meeting-House in Boston — Returns 
to Lynn. 

AFTER taking leave of those places which he con- 
adered as under his immediate charge, Mr. Lee 
repaired to New-York, taking on this tour many of 
the places where he had been accustomed to preach 
the preceding year. To his no small comfort, he 
found that things wore a more favourable aspect than 
formerly. In proportion as labour and diligence had 
been used, the cause of religion prospered. 

On the 25th of June, 179L conference set in New- 
York ; from which he received the appointment as 
presiding elder over several newly formed circuits 
in Mew-England. Litchfield, Fairfield, Middlefield, 
Hartford, Stockbridge, Lynn, and Kingston, composed 
his district. But, although his name stands thus on 
the minutes of conference, for the year 1791, yet 
from his journal, we do not find that any particular 
super intend ance of the circuits was attended to by 
him. The presumption is, that he merely had the 
superintendance entrusted to him, so far as to give 
direction to the preachers, while he himself confined ' 
his labours more particularly to Lynn, and the adja- 

16* 



174 JWEMOIR OF THE 

cent towns, as the following extracts from his journal 
will show, 

" Saturday, July 30th. I rode to Lynn, and met 
the children at 5 o'clock. 

" Sunday, 31st. At 11 o'clock, I preached on Jer. 
xxii. 29. O earth ! earth! earth! hear ye the word of 
the Lord. The people appeared to be very solemn, 
and I believe they were happy under the word, though 
I did not feel so much comfort myself as I have often 
done. 

"Then at 2 o'clock, I preached again ; 1 had a 
very refreshing season in speaking, and there appeared 
to be some move among the people. Then I rode to 
Marblehead, and at 6 o'clock, I preached on Luke 
xvi 31 , If they hear not Moses and the prophets , neither 
will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. 
I found much satisfaction in my own mind while I 
was teaching the people, and there was some appear- 
ance of religion in the looks and behaviour of the 
people. There is a considerable stir in this town, 
respecting the sentiments of the Methodists, and a 
great many wish us to depart out of their coasts ; but 
the more the Lion roars, the more I am encouraged. 
I found a few that were almost persuaded to be 
Methodists, as well as Christians. 

" Monday, 1st of August, I returned to Lynn, and 
met a class at 5 o'clock, and another at night. Several 
persons appeared to be under deep conviction, and 
the professors of faith seemed to be moving forward. 

"Wednesday, 3d. I went to Salem, and at night I 
preached on Pro v. xxviii. 13. I felt a good deal of 
life and liberty, and spoke pretty close to my hearers. 
I had some of the Hopkinsians to hear me, but they 
io not like my way of preaching, because I advise 



REV. JESSE LEE. 1 lO 

sinners to pray that their sins may be forgiven, and 
they think that no one ought to pray till their sins 
are forgiven. 

" Wednesday, 10th, I rode to Manchester, and at 5 
o'clock I preached on 1 Sam. ii. 30. For them that 
honour me I will honour, and they that despise me, shall 
be lightly esteemed. After I had gone through my 
text, I spoke half an hour on the possibility of falling 
from grace. I spoke freely, and endeavoured to bring 
forward every argument I could to establish the point. 
Many of the people seemed to stare very much. 
After I had done the people came out, collected 
together in companies to talk about the sermon, and 
some said my arguments could not be answered, or 
that the scripture was on my side ; but others com- 
plained heavily. I committed the cause to the Lord, 
and could not doubt but what good was done. 

" Friday, 12th. I rode to Appleton, in the old parish 
of Ipswich. When I got there, the woman of the 
house met me at the door and began to weep, and said 
she had found the Lord precious to her soul ; that 
she was deeply affected by my preaching when 1 was 
round two weeks before ; and when she heard me the 
last evening, she was so distressed that she could not 
rest, and returned home crying to the Lord to have 
mercy upon her, till about 2 o'clock in the morning, 
at which time the Lord set her soul at liberty. She 
was well satisfied that her sins were forgiven. She 
then added, ■ let others say what they will against 
you, 1 bless the Lord that I ever heard your voice 1* 

" Saturday, 13th, I rode to Lynn, and met the 
children ; we had nearly forty of them together. 

" Sunday, 14th. At Lynn at 10 o'clock I preached 
on Gen. xvi. 24. See that ye fall not out by the way. 



176 MEMOIR OF THE 

I felt the power and presence of God with ine ; my 
soul was both humble and happy ; many tears dropped 
from the eyes of the people. God, even our God, 
was amongst us. Then I baptized three women who 
professed to have been born again. We then admin- 
istered the Lord's Supper, and we had a most pre- 
cious season at the table. We had about forty-seven 
communicants, all of whom seemed to be of one 
heart. 

" Monday, 15th. We met the women's class at 
Wood- End, at 5 o'clock : several were under deep 
conviction, and wept bitterly while I spoke to them. 
One had lately been converted, and seemed lost in 
wonder, love, and praise. We met the men's class 
at night, and had several persons amongst us that did 
not belong to our class ; some of them were deeply 
distressed, and seemed to be determined never to rest 
till their souls were converted. 

" Friday, 26th. I rode to Greenland, in New-Hamp- 
shire state, and dined at Doctor March's ; then rode 
to Portsmouth, and put up at Mr, Walton's, who is a 
Separate minister. We had a meeting in a private 
house. At his request, I preached on Psrau i. 6. I 
found it to be a time of much life'and love, and some 
of the people appeared to be much affected. When 
meeting was ended, some of the people blessed God 
for our meeting ; and when the minister asked some 
of the people what they thought of shutting such 
preaching as that out of the meeting-house, some of 
them said, if they shut that man out, they did not 
know who they would let in. All seemed very 
friendly. 

" Friday, September 2d. I rode to Newbury port, 
and at night, at the court-house 1 preached, The 



* RET. JESSE LEE. 177 

house was greatly crowded in every part, and the 
hearers were very attentive, and I spoke with more 
than common liberty ; I felt a love for precious souls, 
and maintained that Christ had died for all ; and that 
the Lord was willing to save them all. I bore a pub- 
lic testimony against particular election, and showed 
the cruelty of absolute reprobation. The Lord 
seemed to open the hearts of the people to receive 
the truths that were delivered. I do not know when 
I saw a congregation that was better pleased. Seve- 
ral persons came to my lodgings and plead very hard 
for me to preach again in the morning, at any 
hour that would suit me. I was very loath to deny, 
but being unwell, I was afraid to engage. 

" Friday, 23d. I rode to Windham, and at Josiah 
Sweet's at night, I preached on Phil. i. 22. For me to 
live is Christ, and to die is gain* This is the first time 
that a Methodist ever preached in this town. I had 
a good congregation, and some of them were much 
affected by the word. I think the time is near, when 
the work of the Lord will begin to revive in this part 
of the world, and if the Lord work by us, our good 
mistaken brethren will be brought to say { send, Lord 
by whom thou wilt send.' 

" Sunday, November 6th. I set out early in the 
morning and rode to Needham, and preached w T ith 
some comfort in my soul. Then at 2 o'clock I 
preached again. I had many hearers, and felt help 
from the Lord, The looks of the people showed that 
many of them felt the weight of what was spoken. I 
had several invitations to preach in other places, and 
was greatly desired to preach again that night, but 
being quite unwell, I could not consent. 



178 MEMOIR OF THE 

*\ Monday, 7th. I set out early and rode to Provi- 
dence in lihode-Island state. 1 was kindly received, 
by my old friends and lodged at Mr. Jacob's . 

" Tuesday, 8th. I remained in town all day, and at 
night I preached on 1 John v. 21. Part of the time 
in which i was speaking I found freedom, but the rest 
of the time I felt but little comfort. 

" Wednesday, 9th. I rode to General Lippet's ia 
Cronston about 10 miles from Providence, and was 
very kindly received. 

." Friday, 1 1th. In the General's house, 1 preached 
on 2 Cor. v. 17. Therefore if any man be in Christ, 
he is a new creature, 1 frit more than usual comfort 
In speaking. My heart was drawn out in love and 
pity towards my hearers. In this place the people 
know but little of the life and power of religion, and 
it is very seldom that they can get to any place of pub- 
lic worship. Seeing how destitute they are of the 
preaching of the gospel, I was brought again to pray 
earnestly that the Lord would send forth more labours 
into his vineyard. 

" Saturday, 28th of January 1792, I rode to Lynn 
and was greatly pleased at the sight of Brother Robert 
Bonsall, who had just came from New-York to preach 
the gospel in this part of the world, with brother 
Smith and myself. I hope the Lord will make him a 
blessing to this people and to myself. At night I met 
a class at Brother Hallo well's." 

After receiving the timely assistance of R. Bonsall, 
he set out on a tour through the different circuits 
which had been formed, and supplied with preaching 
in the state of Connecticut. lie felt some reluctance 
at parting with the people in Lynn, in as much as he 
had a peculiar interest in their welfare. Christian 



REV. JESSE I.EE. 179 

affec'ion is strong; but the affection subsisting between 
a minii ter and those con* nted under his ministry i« 
stronger still : this makes the p<iin of parting so 
severe. 

From Lynn he proceeded to Boston, from thence to 
Needham, where he preached with some satisfaction. 
ITc also took Sterling and Wilbreham on his way, nnd 
found the heart* of the people open to receive him. 
He then rode to Enfield in Connecticut, and was well 
pleased to rind that religion h .id prospered in that 
place, and that a good class haa been formed; Prom 
Enfield he went to East- W dlereh-, Derby, 

Oxford, New-Town, Reading Dan«-Town, Mi Idle* 
sex, Wilton, Stratford, Hartford, '1 oil g- 

ton, besides many other places : during this excur- 
sion, it was with great pleasure that he observed, 
the change which had been effected witfrlfi the space 
of a few months 4 I see visibly (says he.) ' that the 
Lord has prospered hi* work amongst the Methodists 
slnee I visited tin* part of the vineyard. 3 

After returning to Lynn. 4th of May, 

he has these remarks : — '-'When I look back en my 
late journey, I am constrained to acknowledge that 
the Lord has been with me. i have role about 517 
miles in 33 days, and preached 40 sermons. I have 
reason to hope that the Lord h;^s given me Fresh 
strength and courage, to <ro forware in Ids v 

From the time he attended the conference at New- 
York, until the last of July, in the present year, he 
had preached three-hundred and twenty-one sermons, 
and gave twenty- four public exhortations ; and in 
order to show the exact manner in which he notcc 1 the 
improvement of his time and of his mind, w T e will for 
once, give a list of the authors, with the number of 
pages in each, which he had read during the same time. . 



180 MEMOIR OF THE 

BOOKS. No. of Pages. 

The Saints' Everlasting Rest, - - - 399 
The New Testament, - - - 

The 1st Vol. of Fletcher's Works, - 330 

Preachers' Experience, ----- 370 

Robert Barkley's Apology, - 574 

Sellon's Answer to Elisha Coles, - - - 347 

The 2d Vol, of Fletcher's Works, - - 320 
Mr. John Wesley's Funeral Sermon, by John 

Whitehead, 69 

The Christian's Pattern, 306 

Mrs. Elizabeth Rowe's Devout Exercises, - 214 

A View of Religion, by Hannah Adams, - 410 
The New Testament, - 

Freeborn Garretson's Experience, - - 252 

Sweeting's Narrative, - - - - 64 
Marks of a work of God, extracted from Mr. 

Edwards, - - - - - - 45 

William Flammet's Appeal, 24 

The 1st Vol. of Wesley's Notes, - - 416 

2d do. do. do. 349 

3d do. do. do. - - 342 

Aristotle's Works, 568 

David Tappan's Election Sermon, - 36 



Total, besides the Testament, 5434 

In addition to the number of sermons which he had 
delivered, he had heard seventy-four preached by 
other ministers ; all of which are duly noticed in his 
journal. 

On the 1st of August, 1792, conference was held in 
Lynn, from which he was appointed Elder over Lynn, 
Needham, Boston, and Providence* 



REV. JESSE LEE. 181 

In a few days he set out on a missionary tour, to 
*he state of Rhode-Island, for the purpose of forming 
a new circuit. He visited Providence, Pawtuxet, 
Warren, and Bristol. Then leaving the state of 
Rhode-Island, rode to Taunton, then to Easton. 

Saturday, 18th of August, he thus writes : — " I rode 
to brother Stokes', in Easton, and met the class at 5 
o'clock. When I consider the goodness of God to 
me in this journey, T am constrained to call upon my 
soul to bless his holy name for his goodness to me. 
I know I have found delight in the service of God, 
and comfort among the people. I have had an oppor- 
tunity of preaching to many who never heard a 
Methodist before. I have generally found satisfaction 
in labouring among such people as know but little 
about us. 

" Monday, 20th. I set off early and rode to Boston, 
and at night I met the class, which has been but 
lately formed. 

" Wednesday, 29th. Brother J. Corsden came to 
Lynn for me to go to Boston, to view a piece of ground 
that he was inclined to purchase to set a meeting- 
house on. I went, but did not approve of the spot. 

" Thursda}^ 30th. I rode to Concord, and at night I 
preached in Mr. Samuel Lewis' house. I had a 
clever little congregation, and I felt much of the 
Divine presence while I was preaching. The people 
appeared to be all attention ; for most of them never 
heard a Methodist before. I hope some of them heard 
to profit. 

" Tuesday, 10th of September. I met the class at 

Wood-End at 3 o'clock; the Lord was with us of 

a truth ; one woman said that the Lord had converted 

her soul a few nights before, and she spoke of it w»th 

17 



182 MEMOIR OF THE 

much confidence and tenderness, so that many were 
melted into tears. O God ! let all the people praise 
thee. 

" Monday, 1st of October. I visited several friends 
in Lynn, and at night, 1 preached my farewell sermon, 
on Phil. i. 27. Only let your conversation be as becom- 
eth the gospel of Christ : that, whether I come to see you, 
or else be absent, I may hear of your a/fairs, and that ye 
standfast in one spirit, with one mind. The Lord was 
with us of a truth ; there was great weeping among 
the people, both men and women. 1 felt very sorry 
to leave them, and they seemed to be as sorry to part 
with me, as 1 expected to go home, and to be absent 
from them for the space of four months. But the 
will of the Lord be done, 

" Tuesday, 2d. I left Lynn, with a good deal of 
sorrow, and set out on my journey. 

" Thursday, 1st of November. The general confe- 
rence commenced in Baltimore. 

" Monday, 5th. We spent the whole day in debat- 
ing one point (viz.) 'Whether or not a preacher 
that thinks himself injured in his appointment to a 
circuit, shall have an appeal to the district conference/ 
We had close and long debates, and at 5 o'clock we 
went to the Dutch church, and about 8 o'clock we 
broke up, and a majority was for no appeal. Some of 
the preachers were much dissatisfied about it, after 
it was decided. 

" Tuesday, 6th. James O'Kelly wrote a letter to 
the conference, that he should leave the travelling 
connexion, on account of the vote that was taken the 
night before. When the letter was read many of the 
preachers wept heartily. It was a sorrowful day to me, 
yet I could say the will of the Lord be done. 



REV, JESSE LEE. J ^O 

Thursday, 15th. Our conference ended in the 
vening in much love and friendship. At night Doctor 
Coke preached his farewell sermon; he gave us a good 
discourse. 

" Friday, 16th. The most of the preachers left 
town in the forenoon. I waited till the afternoon, and 
then brother Cooper and myself set out, and rode to 
the widow Dorsey's, about twelve miles, and stayed 
all night. 

" Saturday, 17th. We rode to Alexandria, Virginia, 
and got there a little after dark, and put up at brother 
Hickman's. 

" Monday, 19th. The Alexandria conference com- 
menced its business. 

" Tuesday, 20th. The conference broke up early 
in the morning, and we set out on our journey, and 
rode to a friend's house a little beyond Dumfries, and 
tarried all night. 

" Sunday, 25th. We rode to Richmond, and at 
3 o'clock in the Capitol, I preached on 1 Peter ii. 9. 
I suppose I had more than half of the members of the 
general assembly to hear me, and many of them ap- 
peared to be very attentive : I felt great freedom in 
speaking. I am sure the Lord was in the midst of us. 
My own heart was much melted within me. I felt a 
hope that some good was done in the name of the Lord 
Jesus. 

" Monday, 26th. I rode over to Manchester : the 
conference began about 9 o'clock. 

iC Wednesday, 28th. I left the conference, a few 
hours before it broke up, and rode with a few friends 
to Petersburgh, about 25 miles. At night we attended 
meeting at brother Harding's. I lodged at my brother 
Nathaniel's ; I felt very glad to be with my old friends 
and relations. 



184 MEMOIR OF THE 

" Saturday, 1st of December. I rode out to mj 
father's, and was much pleased at meeting with my 
father and friends. At 12 o'clock at my father's, I 
preached on Rom. xiii. 12. The night is far spent, 
the day is at hand : let us therefore cast of the works of 
darkness , and let us put on the armour of light. I 
found a good deal of satisfaction in speaking to the 
people, and they appeared to be attentive ; but it is 
not with these people, as it was when I was here be- 
fore, which was about four years and eight months ago. 
At that time they were much alive to God, but reli- 
gion is very low now.* 

" Monday, 31. I took my leave of my friends, and 
set out on my journey to Boston. Brother P. Hoff* 
man set off with me, We rode to Manchester, and put 
up at brother Cook's. 

" Saturday, 5th of January, 1793. We rode to Bal- 
timore, and got there by dinner time. I felt quite 
weary with my journey, and thankful to the Lord for 
bringing me amongst my old friends again. 

" Tuesday, 8th. Brother A. Fonarden, who seem- 
ed much concerned for Boston, wfent with me to see 
many of the friends, and to ask their assistance in 
building a meeting-house in Boston ; we were pretty 
successful in our undertaking, 

" Thursday, 17th. The weather cleared up about 
10 o'clock, and I set out on my journey ; the roads 
were amazingly muddy ; however I got to Cokesbury 
College by dusk : the bell was rung and the people 
collected, and I preached on 1 John ii. 17. And the 

* He spent about one month in visiting his friends and relatives ; 
during which time he preached not less than seventeen times, beside 
attend ing many other meetings. 



REV. JESSE L££. 18ii 

id passeth away, and the lusts thereof : but he that 
doth the will of God abidethfor ever-* 

" Saturday, 26th. I rode early, and found it to be 
the coldest day that I have felt during the winter, foi 
the winter has been uncommonly warm. I got to New- 
York a little after dark ; myself and horse were both 
quite weary. 

" Sunday, 27th. At 3 o'clock in the stone church, 
I preached on Jude 21, Keep yourselves in the love oj 
God. I had a very large congregation, and found 
help from the Lord in speaking. A solemn awe 
seemed to rest upon the hearers. I may well say. 
'one day in the service of God is better than a 
thousand/ 

" Wednesday, February 20th. I rode to Boston, 
and got there a little after dark, much fatigued, and 
my feet somewhat wet, by reason of the roads being 
very sloppy. I found some comfort with the Boston 
class, that met soon after I got to Mr Burrill's. 

" Thursday, 21st. I arrived in Lynn amongst my 
old friends: I had been absent almost five months: 

1 felt thankful to God for bringing me back again : I 
was very glad to find that religion had revived amongst 
the people in my absence. 

u Sunday, 24th. At half past ten, I preached on 

2 Sam. xx. 9. Art thou in health, my brother? I 
pointed out some of the disorders of the soul, the 
means and manner of being cured, and then made a 
close inquiry. * Art thou in health at the present 
time V I had preached a farewell sermon before I 
left them, and I thought it necessary now to inquire 
how they were, and how they had been. It was a 
good time to the people, and profitable to myself 
We then administered the sacrament, and three grown 

17 * 



£86 MEMOIR OF THE 

persons were baptized, and several added to the 
church. 

" Monday, 18th of March. I set off on my tour to 
Bhode-Island and Connecticut states. I rode to Bos- 
ton, and at night, I preached on Gal. iii. 1 1. But thai 
no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is 
evident; for, the just shall live by faith* I found satisfac- 
tion in preaching, and the people were quite attentive. 
Then brother E. Cooper exhorted, and his word;* 
seemed to have much weight with the hearers." 

During this tour, he visited Easton, Pawtuxet 
Warwick, Greenwich, Weckford, Charlestown, New- 
London ; from thence to Gen. Lippet's, in the state 
of Rhode-Island, and from thence to Providence, and 
Needham, in the state of Massachusetts, and on to 
Boston ; after which he returned to Lynn. 

" Thursday, 30th of April, I went to Marblehead, 
and at night, I preached on Lam. iii. 26. It is good 
that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the 
salvation of the Lord. The people had been at 
the trouble to hire an upper room of Mr. Bowler, for 
15 dollars per year, and to fix a number of seats in it 
for the use of the Methodists, which is more respect 
than they ever showed us before. To night we met 
in it for the first time, and the Lord owned our meet- 
ing, and his presence was felt amongst us, I found 
great liberty in teaching them the way to heaven ; and 
felt more encouraged about the place and people than 
I used to be." 

From this time until the first of August he was 
employed in travelling, and preaching in the towns oi 
Marblehead, Manchester, Salem, and Boston; but 
spent more time in Lynn than in any other place, 
being more attached to the latter than to any other 
within the bounds of his district. 



REV. JESSE LEE. 187 

Though he made occasional excursions through the 
different towns in New-England, it does not appear 
that he travelled so constantly about this time as in 
former years. Having gone over the ground and 
formed societies, in order to build them up in faith 
and holiness, he was obliged to restrict his ministerial 
labours, and leave it to others to extend themselves, 
in more remote places. This, however, originated 
from no want of zeal in the cause of Christ ; foi 
wherever we find him, we perceive the same active 
fidelity in his Master's work, the same ardour of devo- 
tion, and the same attention to the spiritual wants of 
the people. And, although he was not instrumental 
in awakening as many sinners, and forming as 
many new societies, yet we may presume he was 
equally useful in establishing believers in the grace of 
God, and in giving a permanency and consistency to 
the societies ; a work this, as essential to the success 
and prosperity of the cause of God, as the alarming 
the consciences of sinners , and bringing them to 
Christ. 



CHAPTER XIII. 



Attends the Conference in Lynn — Appointed to the Province of M 
— Good prospects on the Penobscot river — Forms a Circuit on the 
west side of the Kennebeck, called Readfield— M. Cazier's Lectur* 
— Visits Canada— Preaches a Dedication Sermon in a new Meet 
ing-House, built bj the Methodists in Readfield. 

J\ O conference prior to the year 1792, had been 
held farther north than New-Fork or Albany, and 
until the year 1789, Connecticut river was the nor- 
thern boundary of Methodism in the United States, 
Since the period last mentioned, several circuits had 
been laid out in the New- England states and many 
societies formed. Amongst the rest that in Lynn had 
continued to flourish, and bid fair to outstrip in num 
bers and zeal, any other in that section of the work. 
It was in fact the strong hold of Methodism in the 
north. It was now deemed advisable to hold a con- 
ference in Lynn, to give the preachers an opportunity 
of attending, who were so situated as to render it 
inconvenient to travel to the conference in New-Yo rk 
The expediency of forming a conference in the New 
England states, was obvious to those who were ac 
quainted with the extent of country between the bor 
ders of Connecticut and the lines of Canada. 

Agreeably to a previous arrangement, Conference 
met in Lynn, on the first of August, 1793. Onl) 
eight preachers attended. Though they were few in 
numbers, they were not deficient in those qualities so 
essentially requisite for missionaries to possess ; bold 



190 MEMOIR OF THE 

in the cause of God, and zealous for his name, breath 
ing the spirit of love to God and the souls of their 
fellow men, they were willing to encounter dangers f 
and endure toil, for the sake of spreading the flame of 
religion, and of furthering the increase of the Saviour's 
kingdom. 

From this conference Mr. Lee was appointed to the 
Province of Maine, a place far removed from the 
grounds heretofore occupied by the Methodists ; not 
being less than two hundred miles from any circuit 
which had been previously formed. 

The greater part of the country which he intended 
to explore was but newly inhabited, and little improved 
in point of husbandry or morality. Few ministers 
of any order had thought fit to brave the difficulties 
which the climate and state of society presented at 
that period. 

The most of them preferred waiting a season, until 
the enterprising settlers had availed themselves of the 
advantages to be derived from the soil, and had accu- 
mulated a portion of wealth sufficient to ensure comfort 
and independence. But those who recollected the 
declaration of Christ, that " the poor have the Gospel 
preached to them," were not willing to lose so much 
time, lest evils of a more serious nature should ob- 
trude themselves, and prevent the spread of divine 
truth. 

It is generally found in newly settled countries that 
the inhabitants have minds more teachable and less 
under the influence of preconceived notions, and what- 
is called " religious prejudices," than in the more im- 
proved and wealthy parts of the community. That 
f his is a fact, many can testify who have taken the paiir? 
to make the experiment. 



REV. JESSE LEF. 191 

We may reasonably suppose that in taking this ap- 
pointment, Mr. Lee felt some solicitude of mind res- 
pecting his friends whom he was about to leave behind. 
He could not but feel interested in the welfare of those 
who had been raised up under his ministry, and to part 
with them, though but for a season, was to him a source 
of some regret ; but his state of mind will best appear 
from his own words. 

" Wednesday, 4th September. 1 was busy most 
of the day in fixing my clothes, &c. for my journey* 
I took a little time to visit some of my friends. I felt 
a degree of sorrow at leaving my acquaintances, and 
going down to the Province of Maine, where I should 
be an entire stranger. Lord prepare me for the diffi- 
culties which lie before me. 

" Thursday, 5th. 1 went to see a good many of my 
friends, and took my leave of them; some I talked to. 
and some I prayed with. But it was almost too much 
for me to bid them farewell. About 12 o'clock I left 
home and set out on my journey. I rode to Captain 
Patch's, in Hamilton, and stayed all night. 

''Friday, 6th. I rode to JNewburyport. Some 
of my friends went to see if they could not get the 
court-house for me to preach in, but it was refused 
So I did not preach ; I lodged at Mr. Belchi's. 

11 Saturday, 7th. I rode to Dr. Marsh's, in Green- 
land, and took dinner, and rode to Portsmouth, and 
went to see Mr. Walton, a minister, but he did not 
appear to be so friendly as he did when I was then 
before ; so I went and put up my horse at a tavern, 
and then went to a boarding house, and lodged. 

fi Sunday. 8th. I went to hear Mr. Walton in the 
forenoon, and in the afternoon. After he w r as done, 
I went with some friends to the court-house, but the 



192 MEMOIR OF THE 

great men would not consent for us to go into the house 
to preach ; so I got on the step of the door of the 
court-house and began. When I commenced, I had 
about a dozen people, but they soon began to flock 
together, and I had some hundreds of them to hear 
me before I was done. They stood in different parts 
of the streets. I found much freedom in speaking ; 
and the word reached many of the hearts of the 
hearers, who were as solemn and attentive as though 
they had been in a meeting-house. I lodged at Mr. 
Samuel Tappan's. 

"Monday, 9th. I set off early, and crossed the 
river into the Province of Maine. 

" Tuesday, 10th. I rode to Saco, and put up at 
Doctor Fairfield's, and at night in another house, I 
preached on Acts xiii. 41. I had the house much 
crowded with attentive hearers, and I felt the assist- 
ance of the Holy Ghost in preaching to them. Lord 
make it profitable to many." 

From Saco he went to Portland, where, by the kind 
interference of some persons, Mr. Kellogg's meeting- 
house was opened for him to preach in. From Port- 
land he travelled over a rough and hilly road to Free- 
port, and preached to as many as were willing to 
hear. From thence he went to Bath, where he 
preached three times. He then crossed Kennebeck 
river and rode to Newcastle, and from thence to 
Thomastown, to Union, and crossed the Penobscot 
river, and lodged at Abraham Stover's, in the town of 
Penobscot. He then went to a little village called 
Baggadoore Neck ; but finding it would be difficult to 
travel much further on horseback, and the settlements 
on the road being very thin, he resolved to return 
to the town of Penobscot, where he sent out an 



REV. JESSE LEE. 

appointment, and preached on the sabbath-day.— 
lie then rode to Major Buck's, in Bucktown. — 
After this he took a route up the river within a few 
miles of the Indian Settlement, and returned down 
the river to Frankford ; here the people received 
him gladly, and strove hard to retain him amongst 
them ; but, although they offered to hire him to come 
and settle amongst them the ensuing spring, "it had" 
(says he) fci no weight with me, for I am no hireling." 

The inhabitants upon Penobscot at that time, were 
principally new settlers, consequently destitute of any 
regular preaching, and therefore the more thankful for 
the visit they received from Mr. Lee, 

He continued in these settlements, travelling to and 
fro and preaching, with good hopes that his labour 
would be blessed of the Lord, until the latter part of 
October, at which time he returned to Lynn. 

In January 1794, he repeated his visit to the settle- 
ments on the Kennebeck and Penobscot rivers, and 
enlarged his borders by preaching in many new places. 
His difficulties were many, but God gave him strength 
to be^r up through them all, with becoming patience 
and resolution. He succeeded in forming a circuit in 
the Province of Maine, which by the way, is all that 
can be said of it, for we are not assured that there was 
a single society of Methodists within its whole bounds. 

In July Mr. Lee left his circuit and returned te 
Lynn, where conference was held the 25th of the same 
month, and he received his appointment to the district 
of New- Hampshire, 

The following extracts from his journal, we hope 
will be acceptable to the reader, 

"Thursday, 7th of August. I parted with all the 
preachers, and set out to a new circuit, which had been 

18 



194 MEMOIR OF THE 

lately formed. I rode to old Mr. Lee's, In Concord, 
and got dinner, and then rode to Wm. Haskill's, in 
Harvard, and stayed with him all night. 

" Friday, 8th. I rode to Fitchburgh and put up at 
David M'Intire's. I felt very much fatigued. The 
family was very kind, but I felt very doubtful whether 
I should be useful amongst these people. My mind was 
variously exercised, and I was in a mournful condition. 
Lord help me. 

" Saturday, Oth. We went to a meeting in the after- 
noon, to Mr. S. Shattuck's ; but when we arrived they 
said they had not heard of our appointing meeting there. 
But after a while a few people came together, and I 
preached on Gal. ii. 20. We had a good little meet- 
ing, and we were thanked for coming to preach at the 
place. 

" Sunday, 10th. At the new meeting-house in Fitch-, 
burgh, I preached in the morning, and also at two 
o'clock in the afternoon. The Lord seemed very near 
me at times, but I did not have that faith for the peo- 
ple that I have generally had in other places. 

" Monday, 1 1th. I rode to Mr. Jones', in Ashburn- 
ham ; they sent word to their neighbours ; at 4 o'clock 
preached to them on Matthew iii. 2. I was a little 
pleased with those people, and have reason to believe 
that they were engaged in religion. I had little to say to 
any of them in private conversation, about their souls, 
for I was so heavy and sleepy, that I felt much inclined 
to be on the bed or alone, partly owing to bodily infir- 
mities. 

" Tuesday, 12th. I rode to Mr.Newhall's,in Peck- 
erfields, in New-Hampshire, upwards of 20 miles from 
where T started in the morning, and the road was very 
bad, both stony and hilly, so that I was quite weary 



REV. JESSE LEE. 195 

when [ got there ; however they sent word to their 
neighbours, and they met at night, and I preached, I 
found but little liberty. 

" Thursday 14th. I was very unwell in the morning, 
the St. Anthony's fire broke out in my face, which was 
much swelled and inflamed, and was very painful. I 
rode to Esq, Roots', in the south part of the town, 
(Marlborough,) and was forced to keep my bed most 
part of the day. Upon strict examination, I felt a 
confidence in God, and a pleasing hope of heaven. 

" The next day I preached at Mr. Roots'. I 
felt better pleased with these people than with any 
company I have met with in these parts ; but I felt so 
unwell, that I could hardly make out to stand and 
preach. 

" Saturday, 16th. I rode to Orange, in Massachu- 
setts. The day was very warm, and I was quite sick 
with my complaint. The next day being sabbath, I 
preached at Orange meeting-house, both in the morn- 
ing and afternoon. — Was quite sick at night. 

44 Friday, 5th of September. We set off early in 
the. morning, and rode to Wilbraham conference. But 
when I got there, I found that the conference had 
began the day before. I went and sat with them. 
At night, attended preaching. 

44 Saturday 6th. Conference sat in the morning ; 
then at 1 1 o'clock, I preached on 2 Cor. xii. 9. My 
grace is sufficient for thee. I found a great deal of 
liberty in speaking, and the power of the Lord was 
amongst us. I was much affected ; and many of 
the people wept in every part of the house, I felt 
the grace of God sufficient for me at the time ; and I 
was willing to trust him all the days of my life. O ! 
what a precious sense of the love of Jesus my soul 



196 MEMOIR 0F THE 

enjoyed at that time! Let the worldling boast of 
pleasure, I will not envy his happiness ; give me the 
love of Jesus, and I desire no more. 

" Sunday, 7th, We met in the meeting-house at 8 
o'clock in the morning, and after spending near an 
hour in singing and prayer, brother F. Asbury 
preached on Mai. iii. 1 — 4, Then we had the ordina- 
tions. Three young men were ordained elders, and 
one a deacon. Then the Lord's Supper was adminis- 
tered, and we had a very solemn time. I found my 
soul much quickened and refreshed. The people 
withdrew a few moments, and then came together 
again, and I exhorted. First, I addressed my remarks 
to sinners. 2d, to mourners in Zion. 3d, to Chris- 
tians. 4th, to backsliders. 5th, to young people. 
6th, to the aged. And, lastly, to ministers. It was a 
time of God's power. The people wept, and some 
cried out so as to be heard all over the house. Then 
brother Amos G. Thompson exhorted with a good 
deal of life and liberty. Then Joel Ketchum exhorted ; 
he is a promising young man, and if he keeps humble, 
is likely to be a useful speaker. The meeting finally 
closed, after having held seven hours and a half. It 
was a blessed day to my soul. The conference broke 
up, and most of the preachers left town. About 10 
or 12 preachers of us rode to Enfield, in Connecticut, 
and arrived a little after dusk. I eat a little, for I had 
neither got dinner or tea that day, and then went to 
the meeting-house, where the people were waiting for 
us. I preached on Rom, vi. 11. I found some free- 
dom in preaching, and the power of the Lord was 
measurably felt by myself, if no more. Then bro- 
ther G. Roberts exhorted. We had a good company 
of attentive hearers ; and it was a profitable time to 



REV. JESSE LEE. 197^ 

my soul. I went to old sister Knight's, and stayed all 
night. I was a good deal weary and fatigued. 

" Wednesday, 10th. We rode to brother Perkins', 
in Coventry. At 4 o'clock, I preached on 2 Cor, iv. 
7. I found my soul refreshed with the presence of 
the Lord, and my hope in the mercy of God was 
confirmed. Some of the people were much affected, 
and melted into tears. The Lord has dealt kindly 
with this people, and a great many have been 
awakened and converted. 

" Thursday, 1 1th. We rode to Tolland, and preach- 
ed in our meeting-house. At night, I preached on 
Acts xvii. 6. I found a good degree of liberty in 
speaking. The next day I rode to Windham, and at 
night, preached in the court-house. 

" Saturday, 13th. We rode to Norwich and dined, 
and then rode to New-London, and put up with brother 
Richard Douglass ; I found my mind a good deal 
engaged with God, and felt a longing desire to be more 
than ever given up to him. 

" Sunday, 14th. I preached twice in New-London. 
In the evening we drank tea with a friendly widow ; 
and Mr. Darrough, a Baptist minister, came to tea 
with us ; he was very friendly. I told him if he did 
not take care, the Methodists would out do him. He 
said, ' I don't know how they will go about it.' Why, 
said I, they will out preach you, and out live you, and 
out love you. ' Well, says he, they may, but if they 
do, they shall have hard work for it, for I intend to 
love God with all my soul ; and then, if they out love 
me, their vessel must be bigger than mine ' I felt 
much pleased with his friendly conversation, and lov- 
ing demeanour. The Lord has dealt very kindjy with 
the people in this city ; and there has been a gracious 
18* 



198 MEMOIR OP THE 

revival of religion amongst them last spring, and the 
first of the summer ; and above fifty have joined the 
Methodises. 

"Monday, 15th. We rode to Norwich Landing, 
and met with brother Jesse Stoneman, one of our 
preachers. At night, in a private house, I preached 
on Matt. vi. 10. 1 had quite a large congregation to 
hear me. The Lord was with us of a truth, and the 
word seemed to reach the hearts of the people. Glory 
be to God for ever. My soul was lost in wonder, love, 
and praise. Then brother Mudge exhorted, with a 
good degree of life and freedom ; and the people 
seemed, by their looks, as if they were willing tp 
receive the truth, and turn to God. 

" Tuesday, 16th, I took breakfast near where X 
lodged ; one of the neighbours came in to see me, who 
had been converted a little time before, and had never 
been baptized, she desired me to baptize her : .her 
children as well as herself, pressed me hard to do it ; 
although I was in a great hurry I consented. Some 
of the neighbours were called in, and we had a com- 
fortable hour in waiting upon God, and performing the 
ordinance. I then rode to Coventry, in Rhode-Island, 
and being directed to call upon Colonel B., I rode up 
to his door about sunset, and spoke with him, and 
asked him if he had not entertained the Methodist 
preachers sometimes. To which he replied, I have 
sometimes. Would you, said I, be willing to entertain 
another? he said, I would full as leave, if it would 
suit them as well, if they would go along. Well then, 
I told him 1 would go along. So I rode on and got 
into a blind path by dark, and then for the greater 
part of the way 1 could not see the path at all, and 
very often 1 could not see my horse's head ; however. 



REV. JESSE LEE. 

I arrived at Colonel Lippet's, in Cranston, a little after 
they had got to bed, which was about 10 o'clock. I 
missed my way a little once. I had to depend upon 
God for protection, and to put a little trust in my 
horse, for he had been once that way before. Thank 
the Lord for all favours. The next day I tarried at 
friend Lippet's, and spent my time chiefly in the house, 
reading and writing. The Colonel's wife and daugh- 
ter professed to have been awakened by a sermon 
which 1 preached at their house. I felt my soul much 
humbled while I was talking to them on the subject. 
The next day I rode to Greenwich, and was assisted 
in preaching to a good company of hearers, on 1 John 
iii. 38, The Methodists have betn labouring here 
sometime, but have very few in society. I lodged at 
the Widow Munford's. 

" Saturday, 20th. Came to Warren in the afternoon, 
the weather was extremely warm, and 1 rode late, and 
made it a little in the night before I arrived ; I put up 
at Mr. Martin Luther's. 

" Sunday, 21st. In a barn in Warren, at 10 o'clock 
I preached on Jer. xxiii. 29. I found freedom in 
speaking, and was much comforted. At 2 o'clock I 
preached again on Ephes. iv. 27. 1 found much of 
the divine presence, and could bless God for the 
favourable opportunity of teaching the people. The 
Lord has dealt kindly with the inhabitants of this place 
since I was here last, and we have a considerable 
society formed, a preaching- house raised, and the top 
of it covered. 1 have no doubt, but what God is 
among these people. Then I rode to Bristol, f ind 
preached at night in the court-house. My subject 
was on fleb. iii. 12. It was a good time :il, 

and a solemn time among the hearers. The day was 



£00 MEMOIR 0^ THE 

very cold and the change being so sudden, I took cold.. 
However, I felt willing to spend my life, and my all, 
for God, and for the good of precious souls. 

" Monday, 22d. I crossed the ferry to Portsmouth, 
on the Island, and preached at Mr. Cook's. I had a 
most precious season in delivering my message to the 
people. There appeared to be a pleasing prospect 
of doing good amongst them ; I was pleased with the 
little class when I met them at night. 

" Wednesday, 24th. Rode back to Portsmouth, 
dined at brother Cooks : and then crossed the ferry 
and rode to Bristol, and spent a little time with the 
friends, and then rode to Warren, and at four o'clock 
in the new meeting-house, I preached a dedication 
sermon on Haggai ii. 9. I had liberty in preaching. 
It is the first Methodist meeting-house which has been 
built in the state of Rhode-Island, and this the first ser- 
mon preached in it. I hope God will own the Metho- 
dists in this town. I met the class at night, and the 
power of the Lord was amongst us, and many souls 
were happy in his love. 

" Wednesday, 1st of October, I came to Lynn, and 
got there a little before night. 

" Monday, 13th. I left Lynn and journeyed to 
Waltham Plains, and preached in the school-house at 
night. My text was Isa. xxvii 1 1 . I found life, liberty, 
and comfort in preaching ; the house was much 
crowded and the people very attentive. Brother 
Cooper exhorted. We rested at Beamu's tavern. 

" Tuesday, 14th. We rode to Westown, to the 
quarterly meeting. At 1 1 o'clock I preached on Phil, 
iii. 16. We had a precious season, and a melting 
time. Then we administered the Lord's Supper, and 
many of the communicants were bathed in tears ; at 



REV. JESSE LEE. 201 

2 o'clock brother Cooper preached, and A. G. Thomp- 
son exhorted I rested at brother Fisk's that night. 

" Thursday, 23d. We had our quarterly meeting 
at Lynn. It was a very good meeting to my soul, and 
the souls of many of the people. 

" Saturday, 25th. I intended to have left town, but 
we had a northeast storm which lasted all day, and the 
rain increased towards night, so that I remained most 
of the day at home. 

" Sunday, 26th. Meeting in Lynn, brother Ketchum 
and myself preached : the former in the forenoon and 
myself in the afternoon. 

u Monday, 27th. The rain continued part of the 
day, and then the weather cleared off. I went to *ee 
a few people. O how much I am wanting in faithful- 
ness, and watchfulness, in all my religious visits ; but 
I do desire to be wholly the Lord's, without reserve. 

" Tuesday, 28th. We proceeded to Marblehead, 
to quarterly meeting : we held a love feast in brother 
Prentice's house. A few people spoke with life and 
freedom. The company was melted into tears. I 
was pleased to find them so much engaged in religion. 
At night, we held a watch night ; I preached ; brother 
Ketchum exhorted, and the people were attentive. 

" Wednesday, 29th. Returned to Lynn, met a 
class at Gravesend, and found the Lord present 
amongst the people. 

" Monday, 3d of November, I set out on my eastern 
tour for two munths, and came to Newburyport a 
little after dusk. 

" Tuesday, 4th. I rode to Portsmouth, New- 
Hampshire state ; heard a dry discourse at night, in a 
private house, preached by I. Walton ; his text was, 
Rom. v. 1, 2. 



202 MEMOIR OF THE 

<c Friday, 7th. I rode to Portland, and stopped at 
Major Ilsky's, but he was that day moving out of 
town with his family; however, he went to some of 
the men, and engaged the court-house for me to 
preach in at night. I visited several of the friends, 
and at ni^ht, preached in the court-house ; my sub- 
ject was 1 Tim. v. 22. — A very full house, and attentive 
hearers. I cannot doubt but what the Lord will yet 
favour this people. I lpdged with friend Cob, a 
Quaker ; he was quite reconciled to prayers, night 
and morning. 

" Sunday, 9th. At Mr. Randall's in Gray, I preached 
on Lam. iii. 22. I had life and liberty in preaching, 
and the people paid great attention. At 1 o'clock in 
the afternoon, I preached again, on Luke xi. 0, The 
words seemed to pierce the hearts of some of the 
hearers. They are seldom favoured with preaching. 
Then I rode to New-Gloucester, and preached at 4 
o'clock. The people were not much moved by the 
sermon. 

" Wednesday, 1 2. At Mr. Spague's, in Green, I 
preached at 2 o'clock ; my text was, Phil. ii. 15. I 
had a small congregation, and but little life in speaking. 
I believe the text did not suit the state of the people, 
being mostly unacquainted with the power of religion. 
I then rode to Esq. Dearborn's, in Monmouth, and 
stayed all night. — Was greatly delighted in hearing of 
many precious souls that had been awakened, and 
several that had been converted in the town, within a 
short time past. Surely, the Lord is saying to the 
north, give up. Amen, even so: come Lord Jesus. 

" Thursday, 13th. Brother P. Wager came- to 
me from fhis preaching place. I was greatly pleased 
with the account he gave me of the prospect of a work 



REV. JESSE LIE. 203 

of God in several places on his circuit. At 2 o'clock 
I preached at Captain Hopkin's tavern, and the Lord 
moved upon the hearts of many of the people. Bro- 
ther Wager exhorted with freedom. 1 met the class 
and was happy to hear from the people's own mouth, 
what the Lord had done for their souls. There were 
about fifteen in class, and most of them profess to be 
happy in God. This class has been formed but a few 
w r eeks. and is the first ever formed in the Province of 
Maine. May they be as the little cloud, which at first 
was like a man's hand, but soon covered the heavens. 

" Saturday, 15th. I rode to Nathaniel Whiteir's 
in Readfield, and was much pleased with my old 
acquaintances. Sabbath I preaced twice at Mr, 
Hutchen's, and the people were much melted under 
the word. I felt my soul much taken up with the 
things of God, and could truly say it was my meat and 
drink to do his blessed will. Then I went to N. Whi- 
teirs' and met the class. The Lord was very precious 
to our souls and the people were much melted. This 
was the second class formed in this province, and has 
in it about seventeen members ; several of them have 
lately been converted ; some are old professors, and 
some under deep convictions, and a very great con- 
cern seems to be on the minds of many of the neigh- 
bours. There is a prospect of having a great inga- 
thering of souls to the Lord. Then at dark I held forth 
again on 1 Thes. i. 5. Many were present ; a good time 
in preaching. Surely the Lord is about to do great 
things for this people. Even so : amen and amen. 

16 Monday, 17th. I tarried in town all day; and 
went to look at our meeting-house. It is almost 
covered in. Through my influence, the people began 
this house last summer, and it is now nearly ready 



204 MEMOIR OF THE 

to preach in. It is the first Methodist meeting-house 
ever built in the Province of Maine. I expect we 
shall see Methodism greatly spreading in these parts 
before long. Here Antinomianism has much pre- 
vailed for a few years amongst the Baptists. Their 
minister, Isaac Case, a good old man, often says of his 
followers, that they are case hardened. They are 
greatly afraid the Methodists will do much harm. 

" Wednesday, 26th. I set out early in the morning, 
the day w T as remarkably cold, and I had to travel a 
lonesome road to Sandy river. One place, I had to go 
seven or eight miles, without seeing a house ; and it 
appeared as if my feet would freeze ; but I drew one 
of my mittens over the toe of my shoe, and made out 
to keep it from freezing. When I got to Farmington, 
I found no appointment had been made for me to 
preach. Here I took dinner, and spent a little time 
with the people, then rode up to Reed's, in Middletown. 
It was dark, and 1 felt so chilled that I shook as though 
I had an ague. My cheeks, and under my chin, were 
so pinched by the cold, that they felt quite sore for a 
week ; and what made the matter still worse, was the 
exceeding roughness of the road, which made the 
journey unpleasant ; however, I met with a kind 
reception at night, and was greatly delighted at hear- 
ing of the work of God upon the river, and of souls 
being brought to know God since I was here before. 

" Thursday, 27th. They collected the neighbours 
together, and at 11 o'clock I gave them a sermon, on 
Col. iii. 14. It was a delightful season ; my heart was 
humbled within me before God, and the people were 
melted into tears. I could not repent coming to 
this place, though I came through great tribulation. 
1 dined, and went on towards Farmington. On my 



REV. JESSE LEE. 206 

way, I overtook a company of women who had been 
it meeting ; one among them was praising God for his 
goodness, and those in company were weeping. When 
I came up, the one who was praising God, took me by 
the hand, and told me how good the Lord had been to 
her. My soul was transported with the pleasing 
sound ; but how unfashionable it is to hear people 
praise God along the road ! I came to Mr. Bradford's, 
in Farmington, and at 3 o'clock, I preached on John 
»v. 14. Here the Lord was pleased to visit us again 
vrlth his blessed presence. Tears flowed from many 
eyes, and it seemed to be a time of love. Several 
persons in this neighbourhood have been lately 
brought to the knowledge of God. The righteous are 
becoming as bold as lions. 

"Monday, 1st of December. It snowed all day. 
A man went with me on a new tour, where the Metho- 
dists had never been before, excepting one place. 
We rode through the snow to the Vineyard, and 
Stopped at deacon Norton's ; but his wife being sick, 
we could not stay there, as they had a large family, and 
but one room that was fit to lodge in. However, we 
obtained something to eat, and prayed with them ; 
and a little after dark, went to Daniel Luce's, and 
stayed all night ; the next day preached at Luce's. 
The people heard the word with attention, and with 
tears in their eyes. It is very seldom they have an 
opportunity of hearing a sermon. After meeting we 
travelled a very bad road to Capt. Dagget's, in the 
east part of the town. I was kindly entertained, and 
slept comfortably. 

" Wednesday, 3d. We rode through the woods to 
the mouth of Sandy river, where it enters the Kenne 
beck. Some part of the way we had no path at all, 
19 



206 MEMOIR OF THE 

hot had! to follow the chops in the trees ; the snow 
was ten inches deep ; the travelling was disagreeable 
enough. About noon, we saw a house, which was the 
first we had seen on the way ; so we rode up to it, 
and went in. I talked to the man and his wife on the 
subject of religion. The woman told me she had not 
heard a sermon in two years. The man said he had 
heard one or two in that time, by going a long way* 
They were quite solemn while I spoke to them about 
their souls. After this, they had an opportunity of 
hearing me. We came to Mr B. Hilton's, a little 
before night, and after letting them know who I was, 
and what my business, they gave word to their neigh- 
bours, who came together, and I preached to them. My 
subject was John iii. 20. I found comfort in deliver- 
ing to this people a message from the Lord ; and they 
received it with great attention, and appeared very 
thankful for this opportunity. They never heard a 
Methodist before. 

" Thursday, 4th. We rode up Kennebeck river to 
Mr. James Burn's, to Zitcombtown, a little below 
Seven Mile Brook ; and at night, I preached on 1 John 
iv. 9. I had a clever company to preach to; they 
were all attention, and some of them much wrought 
upon, so that they could not forbear weeping. I felt 
a hope that the word was profitable to the souls of the 
people. They importuned me to come amongst them 
again, or try and send one to preach to them, for they 
seldom hear a sermon of any kind. My heart was 
moved with compassion for the people. There never 
was a Methodist preacher in these parts before. 
Lord send forth more labourers into thy vineyard* 
and into this part of the world. I had not time to go 
any higher up the river, but the people are settled 



EEV. JESSE LEK. 207 

about thirty miles higher. The next day I came back 
to the mouth of Sandy river, in full view of old Nor- 
ridgewock Point ; where, in former years, the Indians 
bad a meeting-house for public worship, and a priest ; 
but in time of war, while at their devotion, the 
English soldiers rushed upon them, and killed their 
priest, and most of their men. 

" I preached at Mr. Wilson's, crossed Sandy river 
upon the ice, and rode up to Mr. Arnold's, and tarried 
all night. 

"Monday, 8th. I rode to Mr. J. Cochran's, in Goshen, 
and at 2 o'clock, I preached on Ephes. ii. 20. I found 
a good deal of freedom in preaching, some of them 
were much wrought upon, and could not refrain from 
tears. I baptized three children, and the parents 
appeared to be very solemn while I was speaking. 
There is great attention paid to religion in this place 
at present. I hope several persons are determined to 
seek and serve the Lord. 

" Friday, 12th. Readfield. This day wa9 appoin- 
ted as a day of fasting for the society, as we intended 
to commune on the following Sabbath, At 1 1 o'clock I 
preached ; my subject was * We then as workers toge* 
ther with him? #c. I found much of the presence of 
God with us while we were together. There was a 
considerable move amongst the people. I then met 
the class, and consulted about administering the Lord's 
Supper. One of our friends gave us an agreeable 
account of a gracious work of God amongst the people 
at Sandy river. Lord increase it abundantly. Tar- 
ried all night at the widow Johnson's, Several per- 
?ons were present who wished to know what the; 
should do to be saved 



208 MEMOIR OF THE 

" Sunday, 14th. I preached in Readfield and adori 
nistered Ihe Lord's Supper to about eight persons 
This was the first time that this ordinance had even 
been administered in this town by the Methodists, or 
in any part of this province ; we had a happy time 
together. 

"Tuesday, 16th. Setting out with Samuel Dudley, 
we rode to the Hook, and crossed Kennebeck river on 
the ice, though it appeared to be very dangerous, for 
the ice would often bend under the horses, when on 
the other side it broke in ten or fifteen feet from the 
shore, but they came out safe, and we went to another 
place, and walked to the shore. We then rode to 
Pittson meeting-house, and called at Major C's. but 
he was not at home. I told his lady who I was, and 
that I should return that way in two days, and if hen 
husband would give notice, I would preach as I came 
back. Then we rode to Eastern river, and dined. I 
then went on to John Plummer's, in New Milford, 
and was kindly entertained. 

"The day following I preached at Plummer's, in 
New-Milford ; some wept freely. After meeting I 
had some pressing invitations to come again. 

" Thursday, 18th, I set off alone and came to 
Major C's. but they had made no appointment for me 
to preach there. This text of scripture came to my 
mind, ' Shake off the dust of your feet for a testimony 
against them. 

" Tuesday, 23d. I rode to Mr. Laine's, in Little* 
borough, and at 2 o'clock, I preached on John xi. 3, 
I had a crowded congregation, and the melting pre- 
sence of God was amongst us. Many of the people 
could hardly refrain from weeping aloud. After I 
had dismissed the people, and went into another room> 



REV. JESSE LEE. 209 

i man eaine in to speak to me, and burst into tears. 
Another came in with tears in his eyes, and begged 
that I would preach again at night. I could not refuse. 
Some of the people then went home, but soon returned. 
One man being in deep distress, began to cry aloud to 
God to have mercy upon his poor soul ; and thus he 
continued to cry with all his might, until some of the 
people were much frightened. I talked, prayed, and 
sung, and while I was singing a visible alteration took 
place in his countenance, and I was inclined to think 
his soul was set at liberty. He afterward spoke as 
though he believed it was so. About this time another 
man was seized with a trembling, and he began to 
pray to the Lord to have mercy upon his poor sou! f 
and cried aloud for some time. I then took my text, 
and preached on 1 Peter v. 7. It was not long before 
another man was taken with a violent trembling, and 
crying, so that my voice was almost drowned. I was 
forced to stop. I then prayed for him, and he became 
more quiet. I then went on with my sermon. There 
was a great weeping in every part of the house. !t 
appeared as if the whole neighbourhood was about to 
Cum to God. I hope the fruit of this meeting will be 
«?een after many days, and that the work of the Lord 
will revive from this time. 

u Thursday, 25th. At Captain Hopkins', in Hon. 
mouth, being Christmas-day, I preached on Isa. is. 6, 
We had a remarkably large congregation, and a very 
remarkable season. The people seemed to swallow 
every word. Toward the end of the meeting, the 
power of God was mightily displayed ; there were but 
few dry eyes in the house, I wept over my congre- 
gation, and had to 6 top for a season. I begged the 
poor sinners to be reconciled to God, till I was per- 
19* 



210 MEMOIR OF THE 

suaded that some of them would obey the truth 
P.- Wager exhorted, with a good deal of life. We then 
administered the Lord's Supper to several persons. 
This is the first time the Methodists ever communed 
in this town. Then I gave the friends some advice 
about ^building a meeting-house in this place. I hope 
they will pay attention to it. 

" Tuesday, 30th. I set out on my journey to the 
westward. The travelling was exceedingly rough ^ 
and the day very cold, but I came to Saco by night, and 
put up at Hooper's tavern. After praying with the 
family, 1 went to a neighbouring house to see a Baptist 
woman of my acquaintance, bul she was gone to a 
dance, and had not returned ! John the Baptist lost 
his head by reason of dancing, and 1 thought the Bap-* 
tists had never been fond of dancing from that day to 
this. 

" Thursday, January 1st, 1795. I made an early 
start, and rode to Portsmouth, in the state ofNew^ 
Hampshire, and put up at Mr. Hutchins\ They col- 
lected a few of their neighbours together, to whom I 
preached with liberty and satisfaction, but religion 
is at a low ebb in this town at present. I felt thankful 
to God for bringing me in safety to see the beginning 
of another year. 

" Sunday, 25th. Bristol court-house, at half after 
10 o*clock, I preached on Isa. liii, 1. I had but u 
small congregation, but I found some freedom in speak- 
ing. At 2 o'clock I preached again to a crowded 
•house, and had a solemn meeting. I spoke with faith 
and delight ; and the people were all attention. I fell 
a pleasing hope that good was done in the name of the 
Lord Jesus. I then crossed the ferry to Portsmouthr 
At night at Mr. Earl's I preached on Matt. xl. 30. T 



REV. JESSE LEE'. 211 

had a crowded house ; and I was much assisted in 
Speaking, The people were attentive, and some oi 
them deeply affected. I wa9 ready to conclude that 
the Lord was about to revive his work in this place. 
The people are teachable, and glad to hear the wai 
to heaven. 

" Monday, 26th. We determined in the morning 
to purchase a house that had never been finished, and 
to make a meeting-house of it. I drew up a subscrip- 
tion paper, and doubt not but they will soon have the 
house fit to preach in. It stands about a mile to the 
north of the Quaker meeting-house. 

" Wednesday, 28th. 1 rode to the north end of the 
Island and crossed the ferry to Tiverton, and preached 
at Mr, Benjamin Howling's. I had a large congrega- 
tion. It was a place where the Methodists never 
preached before. I found my soul at liberty, and spoke 
to the people with a great deal of freedom ; some of my 
hearers were cut to the heart, and wept much. 

u Friday, 30th. I rode to New-Bedford, and pui 
up at Mr. George East's. I gave them a sermon at 
night, on Rom. xiii. 10. The people were quite 
solemn. It may be remarked that this was the firs\ 
Methodist sermon ever preached in this town. 

li Tuesday, 3d of February. 1 sailed in the packet 
JOF Nantucket Island, but having a rough, disagreeable 
passage, and very sick withal, I prevailed with thetn 
to land me on the Vineyard. I shook as though I hafl 
an ague, being cold and sick. I then walked to Mr 
J. Dagget's tavern, at the head of the harbour at 
Holme's-Hole. I was kindly received, and gladh 
entertained. The next day I gave them a sermon in 
ihe meeting-house ; we had a small congregation, and 
net much life. At night I preached again with moir 



212 MEMOIR OF THE 

freedom and faith than in the morning, and the word 
seemed to make some impression on the minds of the 
hearers ; perhaps I am the first Methodist preacher 
who has visited this place for the express purpose oY 
preaching, and even now I have visited this place 
sooner than I intended, for I expected to have called 
here on my way from Nantucket. 

"Friday, 6th. I preached at Shubal Davies' in 
Edgarton. I had a refreshing season, and spoke with 
faith. I walked about two miles to the widow Nor* 
ton's, and stayed all night ; she is almost eighty years 
old, and appears to be acquainted with the power of 
religion, 

" The next day I borrowed a horse, and went to 
see old Mr. Zacheus Mayhew, who is a missionary t© 
the Indians on the Island. I met him on the road. 
He went back with me to Mr. Morse's, the minister 
of Tisbury, who lives in a place called Newtown. We 
tarried till after dinner ; and then rode to the widow 
Norton's. Mr. Mayhew went with me. We con- 
cluded to go down and spend the Sabbath with his 
'congregation of Indians. The old missionary is about 
seventy -seven years of age, and seems to be acquainted 
with the love of God. I asked him particularly about 
his conversion, and was pleased with the relation hv 
gave. The other minister which we visited, Mr. M. 
said he believed that when a person died, that the soul 
slept with the body, and w r as not sensible of pain or 
joy till the resurrection. Good Lord deliver me 
irom evil ! The Island, called the Vineyard, contains 
three townships and one county. It has several littlf 
villages, but the land is generally poor, and not culU' 
vated. They have but few horses on the Island, ant* 
cut very little hay. They have no sleighing in tire 



REV. JESSE LEE. 213 

winter. A great many of the men follow the seas, and 
are engaged in piloting and fishing, beside many that go 
to foreign ports. I fear there is little religion here 3 
though a few are to be found who adorn their pro 
fession.* 

" Thursday, 12th. A small schooner being ready 
to sail, I embarked, with three sailors as passengers, 
beside the two men who belonged to the vessel. At 
9 o'clock we sailed for New-Bedford ; but having to 
beat out of the harbour, and the wind dying away, 
we were not able to get through Wood's-Hole ; so 
we put into the wharf just by Wood's-Hole, and 
went up to lYJr Parker's tavern, in the town of Fal- 
mouth, and county of Barnstable. I concluded it was 
all for the best, and feeling quite resigned to my lot, I 
determined to try and do something for God, I spoke 
to the tavernkeeper about a meeting ; he was quite 
willing to have a meeting at his house, so the people 
were requested to meet at night. My text was Rom. 
x. 4. I found liberty in speaking. Here I am detained, 
but I hope it may be for the good of some poor souL 
I was kindly entertained gratis. The Lord reward the 
family according to their good works. 

"Friday, 13th, was quite stormy in the morning,, 
and some of the company seemed unwilling to go. 1 
thought it best to try it ; so we set sail about 9 o'clock., 
with the wind ahead, blowing very hard, and the 
snow falling very fast. We beat through Wood's-Hole^ 
a very dangerous place for vessels to pass through / 
and after tacking backwards and forwards for about 
two hours, I was dreadfully sick; however, after 

* He remained on the Island seven days, during which time be, 
preached twelve sermons. Some of the meetings were profitable - 



214 HESIOXB OF THE 

much difficulty, we landed at New-Bedford a little after 
dark, I felt thankful for a safe arrival at the long 
wished for place. I lodged with Mr. East. 

"Monday, 16th. I preached at Stoke's,at 1 o'clock^ 
on 1 Pet iii. 9. Though we had a small company > it 
was a melting season. Brother N. Chapin closed the 
meeting by prayer. We then consulted about build* 
Ing a meeting-house, and determined to begin to build 
it in the lower part of Easton, near Bridgewater, as 
soon as possible. The people seemed to be in good 
spirits about it, though they are but poor. At night, I 
preached at old Mr. Churchill's, in Bridgewater. I 
believe our meeting was not in vain. Brother N, 
Chapin told me this evening that by hearing me 
preach, which was the first Methodist he ever heard, 
he was reclaimed from a backslidden state ; and so 
brought to preach the gospel. While he was relating 
this to me, I felt both humble and happy ; and was 
brought to say, O, that it was with me as in days 
past, when the Lord owned my labours in the conver* 
sion of many. But if there were not another soul 
brought to know God, by my ministry, I should still 
have cause to bless God that ever 1 preached the 
gospel. 

" Thursday, March 12th. My birth-day.— Was 
thirty-seven years old. I have made a profession oV 
religion about twenty-two years. But when I look 
back upon my life, I have great cause to mourn before 
God, that I am not more given up to his service. I 
have been generally healthy ; and for many years, 1 
have been, for the most part, a happy person. Some 
things in my life I would gladly recall, if it were in 
my power. Lord forgive my follies past. I wish to 
ofive myself more to God than ever. I have reason ft* 



KEV. JESSE LEE. Zlb 

hope that I have gained some strength in religion the 
past year. We rode to doctor Hind's, and took dinner, 
and then went to meeting. Mr. M. Cazier, the minis 
ter of the place, gave a lecture for the singers, on 
Psa. lxvi. 2. Sing forth the honour of his name : make 
his praise glorious. He preached without notes ; and I 
think was as barefaced an Antinomian as I ever heard. 
He said that no man ever yet sang forth the praises of 
God aright, but what was brought to be as willing for 
God to damn him as to save him. Speaking of the 
Psalmist's saying he would sing of mercy and judg- 
ment, he said, he would praise God as much for send- 
ing men to hell, as for taking them to heaven : that is* 
I will bless God for saving one man, and damning ano- 
ther. He further declared, that every action of man 
was just as God would have it to be ; and whether it 
appeared in our view, to be a good or a bad action, it 
was intended of God, for the general good ; and the 
moral system would be broken, if the action were not 
Co take place, &c. &c. 

" At night, I preached at doctor Hind's, on Rom. ix. 
22. Here I endeavoured to show the unreasonable- 
ness of predestination ; and how the people had fitted 
themselves for destruction ; and yet, God had much 
long-suffering towards them. I further told them, a 
minister ought to pray the people, in Christ's stead, to 
fee reconciled to God, warn them of their danger, and 
weep over them, and let them know that the Lord wa= 
aot willing that they should be damned ; but that they 
should come to the knowledge of the truth and be 
saved. I also endeavoured to show how unreasonable 
it was for a minister to say that God was willing to send 
bis hearers to hell; and that they should bless God 
for sendiDg them these, I had a comfortable meet- 



216 MEMOIR OF THE 

ing, and freedom in speaking. Just as I was going to 
leave the house, the minister came in, and abundance 
of people flocked into the room, expecting to hear us 
dispute, but after asking him a few questions civilly, we 
parted." 

Would the limits we have prescribed to ourselves 
permit, we should gladly continue the extracts from 
his diary ; but the notices he has made for this year 
Only, would make a considerable volume, much of 
which, therefore, must be passed over. From these 
simple records of his travels and exercises, it evidently 
appears that he exemplified the same uniform zeal in 
the cause of God, and the same persevering industry 
foF the salvation of souls, which had heretofore 
marked his conduct. 

From Greenwich, he went through the deep snow 
to Hardwick, from thence to Braintree ; the travelling 
was so intolerable, that he concluded to stop a day or 
two, and preach to small and careless congregations. 
He, with much difficulty, reached Worcester, the snow 
feeing deep and the way untrodden ; from thence to 
Milford, Mansfield, and to Norton. At the latter place, 
he met the preahers of the circuit, and held a quar- 
terly meeting, Easton was the next stand, where 
good prospects of a revival of religion cheered hini 
exceedingly ; then he hasted to Boston, where reli- 
gious affairs remained unimproved ; but the quarterly 
meeting at that place, was held in peace. He then 
proceeded to Lynn, as the next place in course. He 
found an evident declension of religious fervour in 
Lynn. At Marblehead his next quarterly meeting was 
held. He then returned to Lynn, and set things in 
order, and prepared himself for an eastern journey. 
He was detained a few days by inclement weathei\ 



REV. JESSE LEE. 217 

but on the 30th of March he commenced his journey. 
He passed through Salisbury, Portsmouth, in New- 
Hampshire, then crossed Piscataway into the Province 
of Maine, and then on through Kennebeck to 
major Ilsley's, at Back Cove, in Falmouth ; from 
thence to Portland, Monmouth, Readfield, the Twen- 
ty-five mile Pond ; this, with most of the foremen- 
tioned places, he had visited about eighteen months 
previously ; during which time there had been a gra- 
cious revival of religion ; but some religious quarrels 
had damped the rising flame. Leaving the Twenty- 
five mile Pond, he had very bad roads to Hampden ; 
twice in one day his horse fell into the deep mud, and 
he but narrowly escaped with whole bones. From 
thence he came to Bangor, where he found it neces- 
sary to cross the Penobscot ; there was no ferry-boat 
at hand, but two small boats were procured, and made 
fast together, and his horse was made to stand with his 
fore feet in one, and his hind feet in the other boat, 
and all were enabled to get over without accident. He 
went on, taking Orrington, Buckstown, Goldsborough, 
Eppm, the Falls of Pleasant river, and Mechias, in 
his way. Swimming rivers, passing dangerous fords, 
encountering with hills, rocks, and mire, were the 
occurrences of every day's travel. Coming to colonel 
Stillman's, within two miles of Mechias, he formed a 
resolution of crossing the Passamaquoddy, and of 
visiting the British provinces. He accordingly visited 
Moose, and Dudley islands ; and then passed into St. 
Andrew's, in the Province of New-Brunswick. In 
all these places, he found the people destitute of 
preaching. He then proceeded to St. John's, and in 
crossing a part of the Bay of Fundy, the vessel was 
driven against the rocks by the rapid tide, which 
20 



218 MEMOIR OF THE 

created some alarm on board ; but fortunately, they 
came off without injury. The next day, the captain 
put into a place called Dipper Harbour, within eight 
leagues of St, John's. Here he continued two days, 
and preached at a Mr. French's, who, although the 
proprietor of three thousand acres of land, could not 
afford a chair for his guests to sit upon. Having a 
favourable wind, they set sail, and soon landed at the 
town of St. John's. Here he met with an old friend, 
William Jessop, a preacher, with whom he had often 
been comforted in other parts of the world. He had 
an opportunity of viewing th e fearful falls of St. John's 
river ; a place which is, at certain times, calculated 
to strike the spectator with fear, and in the roaring 
rapids of which, man}' a bold adventurer has found 
a watery grave ; but none can attempt this danger- 
ous pass, only at a certain time of the tide, when the 
water is nearly on a stand, either going out or coming 
in, and then it will not serve more than about fifteen 
minutes at a time. 

In this town, he spent seven or eight days very 
agreeably, preaching, meeting classes, holding prayer 
meetings, and visiting the sick, and others who 
needed his company and advice. 

Saturday, the 16th of May, he took his leave of 
William Jessop, and St. John's, and sailed for St. 
Andrew's, at which place he arrived the same day, 
quite sick from his voyage, but was able to preach at 
niirht. The next day, he embarked for St. Stephen's, 
in Schoodic river, but being becalmed, they were 
forced to come to anchor, a little below a large hill on 
the American shore, called Devil's Head ; here 
he went on shore, visited a family, and conversed on 
the subject of religion. In the afternoon they weighed 



REV. JESSE LEE. 219 

anchor again, passed Devil's Head, and proceeded 
up the river a little, and were again becalmed. There 
was no other alternative but that of casting anchor; 
he, however, hailed a row boat that was passing, was 
taken on board, and carried up the river to Duncan 
M'CalTs. It was now past 11 o'clock at night, but 
the family arose at his call, and received him with 
open hearts. He found a hearty friend in Duncan 
M'Call, one with whom he had corresponded for seve- 
ral years. He had long felt a desire of seeing him, 
and now his desire was realized, and their kindred 
spirits were more closely united. For several days he 
tarried with his friend M'Call ; and as he was now at 
the dividing line between the United States and the 
British provinces, he had an opportunity of giving his 
labours to each for several days. Here he was par- 
ticularly pleased with an instance of the power of 
religion, which 1 give to the reader in his own words. 
44 Thursday, 21st of May. We had prayer meet- 
ing in the chapel, and had a good time, though there 
were but few people. I was much pleased at hearing 
two of our sisters pray : I have not heard a woman 
pray for many weeks before. Sister G — , drank tea 
with us. I understood that she was the first who 
experienced conversion in this place, (St. David's 
Parish,) and her husband was so much opposed to it, 
that at last, he determined to leave her, on account of 
her religion, and one day he was actually on the point 
of starting. * Stop a little, (says she,) let us pray 
together before we part ;' so he consented to join her 
in prayer, and God touched his heart, so that he gave 
up the notion of leaving her, and has since become 
a religious man." 



220 MEMOIR OF THE, &€. 

On the 15th of July, conference for the New-Eng- 
land states, was to be held in New-London ; his friend 
Mr. M'Call had come to a determination to accompany 
him thither ; so, embarking in a canoe on the 25th of 
May, they went down the river, and over to the Ameri- 
can shores, to Mr. Brewster's, and after spending a 
little time with the family in prayer, they hastened on 
to Mr. Voris', in Bobin's town, where he preached to 
a thin congregation. They then went to Moose Island, 
where Mr. Lee preached. Leaving Moose Island, 
they proceeded up Crobscook river in the canoe, and 
passed through the falls, though not without danger of 
being swallowed in the whirling eddies of this danger- 
ous pass. They, however, arrived safe at colonel 
Crew's, at the head of the river. Here they Jeft the 
canoe, and hired a guide for one dollar, to take them 
through the woods to the stage road. Lakes, ponds, 
and dreary swamps, opposed their march ; sometimes 
wading, then floundering through mud, crossing the 
intervening waters in frail bark canoes, presented no 
small impediment in their way. At length they took 
shelter for the night, with colonel Stillman, after a 
journey of fifteen miles by water, and eighteen by 
land. Here he met with his horse, and pursued his 
numerous appointments until the setting of conference. 

On Tuesday, the 21st of June, he preached a dedi- 
cation sermon, in a new meeting-house, built by the 
Methodists in Read field, which was the first ever built 
by the Methodists in the Province of Maine. 



CHAPTER XIV. 



Conference in New-London — Goes to Boston, and assists in 
laying the corner stone of the first Methodist Meeting-House 
in that place — Singular conduct of some ill disposed persons 
in Provincetown — Visits Mount Desert — Receives a letter 
from Bishop Asbury — Attends Conference at Wilbraham — 
Meets with Mr. Asbury, and goes to Charleston — Pleasing 
change in that place — Travels through Georgia — The man- 
ner in which Mrs. Vannest was awakened — Conference in 
Readfield — Goes to the South. 

CONFERENCE for the year 1795, was held in 
New-London, and commenced its sitting on the 15th of 
July, Much peace and harmony prevailed during its 
session. His station this year, was the same as in the 
preceding, only, that within the bounds of his district, 
he had seventeen circuits and stations, in the visiting 
which once a quarter, was sufficient to keep him 
actively employed. After the adjournment of confe- 
rence, he accompanied Mr. Asbury on a tour through 
Providence, Norton, in Massachusetts, then to Boston, 
from thence to Lynn. Mr. Asbury then turned his 
course towards the south. Mr. Lee still bore him 
company to Waltham, Farmingham, and Milford ; here 
they parted. The bishop pursued his journey to the 
south, and Mr. Lee went to Boston. 

Five years had elapsed since the Methodists had 
been making exertions in Boston, in order to raise a 
society, and to build a house of worship. Mr Lee 
had, during that time, used every effort within his 

20* 



%%& MEMOIR OF THE 

power to promote the interests of the church, in thai 
place. Considering the difficulties with which he had 
to contend, it is a wonder he had not given it up in 
despair : but now there was some prospect of witness- 
ing, in part, what he and others had long wished to 
see. On the 8th of August, he arrived in Boston, 
for the purpose of making arrangements for the com- 
mencement of the meeting-house, which had been so 
long meditated. On the 28th of the same month, he 
had the pleasure of assisting, with all due solemnities, 
in laying the corner stone of the building. During a 
stay of about three weeks in the town, he again set an 
example worthy the imitation of all who are placed in 
a similar situation ; namely, preaching on the com- 
mons. 

The hired room in Boston, where the Methodists 
assembled, could not, probably, contain more than one 
hundred persons ; hence Mr. Lee very justly con* 
eluded that few, in that large and populous town, 
would be able to hear the gospel preached by the 
Methodists, so long as they continued to meet only 
in the old room. He, therefore, contrary to the 
wishes of some of his brethren, boldly resolved to go 
to the commons. He went ; and thousands flocked to 
hear him for three successive sabbaths. It was his 
calculation, that by preaching on the commons, it was 
likely to do twenty times as much good as by meeting 
at the usual place. 

Having so far arranged matters in B >ston, he then 
set out in order to superintend his charge, and to find 
some new places where he might preach the gospel. 
At Marshtield, he preached, perhaps the iirst sermon 
ever preached by the Methodists in that place. At 



REV. JESSE LEE. 



223 



Sandwich, it was the same. In Provincetown, he 
preached twice ; and was encouraged to hope that 
some lasting impressions were made on the minds of 
many present. Here the Methodists had met with 
some opposition. The little society w r hich had been 
formed, came to the resolution of building a house of 
worship. To prevent which, a town meeting w r as 
called, which voted that the Methodists should have no 
house of worship there. IS oth withstanding this arbi- 
trary decree, the society resolved to go on ; the tim- 
ber was collected, and nearly in readiness for framing ; 
but it was a matter of great importance to those 
opposed to this measure, to prevent what they con- 
sidered so great an evil ; and what they could not effect 
by vote, they were resolved to carry by force and 
cunning: accordingly, a company of choice spirits 
sallied forth under cover of the night, and repaired 
to the spot where the timbers were collected, hauled 
them over a hill, down into the valley, and set them- 
selves to work, making sad desolation amongst the 
timbers, reared up a pile, and set up the effigy of the 
Methodists on the top, tarred and feathered, it would 
be hardly worth while to record this daring act, 
marked with extravagance and folly, did we not believe 
that those guilty of it, were the tools of the men who 
formed the town meeting. 

We are fir from taking delight in recounting the 
reprehensible conduct of our fellow men ; but such 
chivalrous deeds of darkness ought to be exposed to 
merited disgrace and condemnation, that others may 
fear ; and we are happy to have it in our power to 
record that the subsequent improvement of society in 
that part of the country, where formerly a bigoted 
attachment to particular forms and creeds, hurried 



224 MEMOIR OF THE 

many into unjustifiable measures, has justly reprobated 
all such violent proceedings. May the tolerant spirit 
of the gospel of Christ, universally prevail. 

" I went to see it, (says Mr. Lee,) and felt aston- 
ished at the conduct of the people, considering we live 
in a free country, and no such conduct can be justi- 
fied ; however, I expect this will be for the good of 
the little society, and that they shall find the truth of 
these words, ' the wrath of man shall praise thee.' 

" Monday, 23d of November, I rode to Bristol, 
and at 2 o'clock, I preached on 2 Pet. iii. 14. This 
was the first Methodist sermon ever preached in Bris- 
tol, I could truly say the meeting was profitable to 
my soul. I then rode to Mr. Rust's, in Nobleborough, 
and at night, I preached on Prov. i. 22, 23. We had 
a solemn time. The people pressed me hard to send 
them a preacher, but I know not how I can do it, 
unless the Lord will send forth more labourers into 
his vineyard. 

" Tuesday, 24th, I rode to New-Milford, and held 
forth in the new meeting-house, on Rom. ii. 6. I 
had but few to hear ; I suppose the head men were 
somewhat afraid, and therefore, did not have proper 
notice given. The young candidate rode with me a 
few miles after meeting, and was not satisfied with my 
inviting all to Christ, and persuading them to choose 
religion and turn to God. I asked him if he did not 
believe that God had decreed that some men should 
not be saved ? He said he did. I then asked him if he 
did not believe that Christ opened a way, by his death, 
whereby all might possibly be saved ? he said he did. 
Then I told him, according to what he said, Christ 
had opened the way whereby God's decrees might be 



REV. JESSE LEE. 225 

broken, and wished him to try and clear up the con- 
tradiction : be did try, and tried it often, till he wag 
quite confused — and so we parted. 

44 Saturday, 7th of May, 1796. I returned to Tren- 
ton, to Mr. James Smith's, at a place called Kilkenny, 
where, at 2 o'clock, I preached on Ezek. xviii. 11. This 
was a thinly settled neighbourhood ; but I had quite a 
good company of hearers, and the Lord was present 
with us. I found great freedom in speaking, and was 
melted into tears myself, and the people wept very 
freely. I felt so much for their poor souls, that I was 
wiiling to spend my life for their welfare. This was 
the first Methodist sermon ever preached in Trenton, 
and the people heard as though they w r ere never to 
hear another. After meeting I rode to Union river, 
and left my horse, and went to Benjamin Joy's, and 
sta3 r ed all night. 

44 Sunday, 8th. At Mr. Joy's, on Union river, at 1 1 
o'clock, I discoursed on the one thing needful. The 
day was wet, but thank God, we had a good meeting. 
In the afternoon, my text was Dan. vi. 16. The 
place seemed awful on account of the presence of the 
Lord. O, what a pity that so many people in this 
place, should be destitute of regular preaching: many 
of them seem willing to hear the w r ord. 1 felt thankful 
to God for bringing me amongst them once more. 

44 Monday, 9th. It was very wet, and rained hard 
till the middle of the day. After dinner, I travelled 
to Mr. Foster's, on Jordan river, about six miles. I 
had to walk a good deal of the way, for I could not 
ride. I do not remember that I ever travelled a 
worse road than this in all my life. 

44 Tuesday, 10th. A young doctor went with me 
down the river, and got into a canoe with some 



%26 MEMOIR OF THE 

other people, and went over to Mount Desert, and 
found many collected for training. Just after our 
arrival the captain dismissed his company. Many 
women had also collected to see the men muster, and 
afterward to have a dance. But when they found 
out that I intended to preach, they were at a loss to 
know what to do ; some said they would have a dance, 
others said nay, but we will have a sermon. The 
woman of the house said, if they would not hear the 
gospel, they should not dance. The man of the house 
spoke out aloud, saying, 6 if the Lord has sent the 
man, let us hear him, but if the devil has sent him, let 
the devil take him away again.' So I told them I 
would preach at another house, at 4 o'clock. I then 
set off, and one Mr. T. a Baptist by profession, went 
with me ; he was brim full of religious talk, but I 
soon discovered that he w as a strong fatalist, and 
when he found out that I believed that Christ died for 
all men, and that the Lord called all men, he got into 
a violent passion, and with abundance of fury, called 
it a damnable doctrine, and appeared to be ready to 
swear outright. Poor man ! how small a thing is it 
for a man to call himself a Christian, while he ia 
governed by wrath, and an evil spirit. At Esq. 
Paine's, I preached at 4 o'clock ; my text was 1 Pet, 
ii. 9. I had a tolerable company, and a very good 
meeting. The Lord was very precious to my sou , 
and many of the hearers were melted into tears, and 
heard the word as (hough it had been for their lives. 
But while I was preaching, the forementioned Baptist, 
and another of his party, kept shaking their heads at 
each other, as much as to say, ' that's not true ;' at last 
I stopped, and said to one them 1 1 should be glad if you 
will try and keep your head still ;' he behaved better 



REV. JESSE LEE. 227 

afterward. Mount Desert, is now divided into two 
towns ; the one I preached in, is called Eden. This 
was the tirst Methodist sermon ever preached in the 
town ; and I feel a pleasing hope that a lasting bles- 
sing will attend it. I lodged with Mr. Paine that 
night. 

" Friday, 17th of June. We left the two brother 
Hulls 1 ; and brother Mutlge came with me to brother 
Baker's, in Falmouth, where I preached at 2 o'clock. 
I found much of the presence of God with me while 
preaching, and the word was attended with some 
power : many tears were shed. 

" There has been a good stir of religion in this 
place, of late. An aged man upwards of seventy 
years old. was asked something respecting his will, 
he answered, ' I hive no will/ They said, ' what have 
you done with your will?' he said, ■ I lost it upon the 
ledge the other day,' meaning, he got converted the 
other day upon a rocky hill, and there his will was 
swallowed up in the will of God. 

So voluminous are the manuscipt journals of Mr. 
Lee, that we can give only a small portion of them, 
without swelling this memoir beyond all reasonable 
limits. And though it might be very desirable to 
let him speak in his own language ; yet for the sake 
of brevity, we are under the necessity of abridging 
his remarks, and of presenting a more condensed 
view of his travels and ministerial labours. 

He continued in the faithful discharge of the duties 
on the district until the conference for New England, 
which was held in the town of Thompson, in the state 
of Connecticut, and commenced the 20th of Septem- 
ber 1796. He was re-appointed to the same charge 
as in the year preceding. From the annual confer- 



228 MEMOIR OF THE 

ence he attended the general conference held in Bal- 
timore. It commenced the 20th of October. Here he 
opposed the motion " to strengthen the Episcopacy, in a 
way which should be agreeable to Mr. Asbury," be- 
lieving that it would be most proper to leave it to the 
vote of the general conference to make their own 
selection. The majority, however, voted for the 
motion. Doctor Coke who was present as one of 
the superintending Bishops, requested that the ques- 
tion might rest for a few hours ; at the expiration 
of which time, he made known to the conference 
his determination of giving his services to the Me- 
thodist Episcopal Church. This proposition was 
acceded to by a large majority, and so the matter 
rested. We take the liberty of saying, that Mr. Lee 
was no less remarkable for his independency of mind, 
than for his firmness in maintaining any point which 
he had espoused. Though he, on some occasions, 
might manifest more tenacity than needful, yet he 
always had his reason, for his conduct. And from the 
penetration of his mind in viewing the bearings of 
every question of moment which was presented, he 
was not very liable to be misled in his decisions. He 
was disposed on all occasions, scrupulously to*adhere 
to the discipline of the church of which he was a mem- 
ber : he was ready to sacrifice his own feelings in 
order to preserve it inviolate. The interests of the 
church were too sacred to be compromised, to the par- 
ticular caprice of any individual. If we are not very 
much deceived, he has done much in his day to deserve 
the gratitude of his brethren, in preserving the order 
and economy of Methodism in America. 

From the general conference in Baltimore, Mr. 
Lee went to visit his relations in Virginia. He was 



REV. JESSE LKE. 2~'S 

happy once more in seeing his aged father in 
good health, after an absence of four years. He 
also had an opportunity of being present at the Vir- 
ginia conference, held at Mabry's chapel. After spend- 
ing a few weeks amongst his friends and relations, he 
set out once more for the north, and was favoured in 
his journey, with meeting many of his brethren in the 
Lord, amongst whom he had once laboured, and 
enjoyed seasons of delight. 

In January, 1797, he returned to his district, and 
was happy in finding that the. cause of religion was 
progressing in the several circuits which were under 
his superintendan.ee. 

In August, he received a communication from Mr. 
Asbury, requesting him to get himself in readiness to 
leave the district, and to go with him from the ensuing 
conference to Charleston, and to visit other parts of 
the work. Mr. Asbury's health, at this time, was 
such as to incapacitate him for the arduous labours 
which he had to sustain. Mr. Asbury needed assist- 
ance, and the interests of the church required it ; he, 
therefore, looked to Mr. Lee as a man whose expe- 
rience, talents, and integrity, entitled hirn to his confi- 
dence. 

On the September following, Mr. Lee attended the 
conference at Wilbraham. (Mass.) Through extreme 
indisposition, bishop Asbury could not attend. He* 
sent a communication to Mr. Lee, of which the fol- 
lowing is a copy. 

" Byram River, Sept. 12, 1797. 
" My very dear brother, 

" I am now convinced that I ought not to attempt to 
come to the conference at Wilbraham. Riding thir- 
teen miles yesterday, threw me into more fever than I 

21 



230 MEMOIR OF THE 

have had for a week past. It will be with difficulty I 
shall get back to the widow Sherwood's, my house at 
present. I have sent brother Wells, who, next to 
Jonathan Bird, has seen much of my continued labours, 
and afflictions, for many days and miles — the burden 
lieth on thee ; act with a wise and tender hand ; espe- 
cially on the stations. I hope it will force the connex- 
ion to do something, and turn their attention for one to 
assist, or substitute me. I cannot express the distress 
1 have had in all my afflictions, for the state of the con- 
nexion. We say the Lord will provide. True ; but 
ve must look out for men and means. The Lord could 
iave provided without such a poor* worthless creature , 
us I am, crossing the Atlantic. You and every man 
that thinks properly, will find it will never do to divide 
the north from the south. Methodism is union all 
over ; union in exchange of preachers ; union and 
exchange of sentiments ; union and exchange of inte- 
rest : we must draw resources from the centre to the 
circumference. Your brethren in Virginia wish vou 
to come forth. I think the most general and impartial 
election, may take place in the yearly conferences ; 
every one may vote ; and in general conference, per- 
haps, one fifth or one sixth part would be absent. 1 
wish you to come, and keep as close to me and my 
directions as you can. I wish you to go, after the 
conference, to Georgia, Holston, and to Kentucky ; and, 
perhaps, come to Baltimore in June, if the ordination* 
should take place, and so come on to the eastern confe- 

* This has reference to a communication which Mr. Asbury made 
to the conference at Wilbraham, which proposed the election of 
Richard Whatcoal, Francis Poythress, and Jesse Lee, as assistant 
Lishops in the United States. It was rejected, being thought cop- 
•rary to the form of discipline 



REV. JESSE LEE. 231 

Vence. You will have need to follow my advice for 
your health, steel as you are. 

" I now conclude with my best wishes, and earnest 
prayers for the conference and you. 

" As ever thine in Jesus. 

F. ASBURY." 

Upon the receipt of this letter, Mr. Lee endeavoured 
to act in conformity to the instructions which it con- 
tained. He, therefore, presided in the conference at 
Wilbraham, and then went on to meet w T ith the afflicted 
bishop, whom he found at Mrs. Sherwood's, in New- 
Rohelle, somewhat amended ; though still labouring 
under considerable affliction. 

Friday, the 27th of September, found them in New- 
York, where they were eye witnesses to the gracious 
displays of God's power in the conversion of souls. 

Monday, October 9th, they reached the Duck creek 
Cross-roads, where conference was held, which com- 
menced the day following. Here the Lord owned the 
labours of his servants, and made his word the instru- 
ment of effecting the work of conviction, conversion, 
and sanctificatioh. At this conference, it was unani- 
mously agreed that Mr. Lee should travel with bishop 
Asbury. The state of the work, and the ill health of 
the superintendant, were a sufficient justification for 
this measure. From Duck creek, they hastened to 
Baltimore, where conference opened the 21st. From 
Baltimore they moved on to the south, passing through 
Alexandria, King George county, crossed Rapahanock 
river at Port- Royal, thence through Essex, King, and 
Queen, and Gloucester. Here a good work was pro- 
gressing. On the 17th of November, a few miles 
from Gloucester town, who should they meet but 
Doctor Coke, riding on a small horse, with a boy behind 



232 MEMOIR OP THE" 

him ; the meeting was agreeable ; they then went ou, 
leaving the doctor to follow them, and crossed lork 
river, at Little York, then on to Williamsburg, crossed 
James' river at old James town, and then to Lane's 
chapel, in Sussex, where conference commenced the 
25th. Here the conference voted that Mr. Asbury 
should preach no more until the April following; but 
that he should go the most direct way to Charleston ; 
and in the mean time, Mr. Lee should fill his appoint- 
ments. Doctor Coke wished to return to England ; 
the conference consented that he might do so. jN"o 
time was to be lost by Mr. Lee in getting to the confe- 
rence in Charleston, considering he had the distance 
of nearly five hundred miles to travel, in the space of 
a little more than four weeks, and to attend twent}^ 
five appointments on the way. 

On arriving in Charleston, which was on the 1st of 
January, 1798, he surveyed with pleasure, the change 
which had been effected in that city within the space 
of thirteen years. Methodism had not commenced in 
Charleston in the year 1785 ; but since that period, it 
had taken root, and flourished, and many had found 
shelter under its branches : two churches had been built, 
many societies formed, and friends willing to receive 
the ministers of Christ into their houses. From the 
conference in Charleston, which began, continued, and 
ended in great peace, he went on to Georgia, visited 
Augusta, and on south as far a» the Oconee river, the 
then dividing line between the United States and the 
Indian lands. It was no small gratification to him to 
meet with many of his old Virginia friends, who, for 
the purpose of settling upon a richer soil, had removed 
to Georgia. The following extracts from his journal, 
will close this chapter. 



REV. JESSE LEE. 



233 



" Thursday, February 8th. We crossed Savannah 
river at LWsdalPs ferry, and left the state of Georgia ; 
it was a damp day, and rained a little. W e then cross- 
ed Little river, and being overtaken by night, put up 
at a public house. I will here observe that I have 
been greatly comforted with my visit in Georgia ; 
where I spent twenty-seven days, and preached twen- 
ty-one sermons. The country is much better than I 
expected to have found it ; the land is good, and in the 
parts where I travelled is inhabited principally by emi- 
grants from Virginia. At present they live well ; but 
the people in general appear to be of an ungovernable 
turn, both in church and state. I have seldom seen a 
new country that I like as well as Georgia. I travel- 
led through seven counties. I expect there will be 
a revival of religion amongst them shortly. Georgia 
is a good country for corn, tobacco and cotton, and also 
for oats, wheat, peas and potatoes ; it is very good for 
peaches, but apples do not thrive so well. In the low 
iands of the state, in the pine woods, there are found a 
great many Salamanders, so called ; they are not found 
perhaps in any other state of the union. They live 
under ground, and they tell me are made much like a 
mole, though larger; and throw up hills of loose dust, 
much like hills made by ants. 

" Monday, 12th of March, was my birthday ; I am 
now forty years old. I have enjoyed religion twenty- 
five years, have been in the Methodist society twenty- 
four years and four days, and a travelling preacher 
about 15 years. I feel as much as ever, determined 
to spend my days for the Lord. My soul is still pant- 
ing after God. I wish to be more than ever devoted 
to his service^ and if I live to the Lord, I expect to be 
in heaven before I see forty years more ; however 
21 * 



£34 



MEMOIR OF THE 



strange it may appear, so it is that I have often thought 
that I should live till 1 was about fifty-six years old. 
I do not pretend to say that the Lord has revealed 
this to me. It may be from an evil spirit, or it may be 
vain thoughts. Time will show ;* but if I were called 
to die to-morrow, I do not know that I should have any 
objections. I do feel a pleasing hope of leaving all my 
troubles, when I leave the world; but if my life is 
prolonged, I hope to be the instrument of bringing a 
few more souls to God, before I rest from my labours. 
" Monday, 9th of April. Conference began at Sa- 
lem ; the session opened at 9 o'clock, and we set till 12. 
Then I preached on Rom. ii. 7. To them who by 
patient continuance in well-doing, seek for glory, and 
honour, and immortality, eternal life. I had a most 
powerful, weeping, shouting time ; the house seemed 
to be filled with the presence of God ; and I could 
truly say, it was a time of love to my poor soul.' — 
Bishop Asbury exhorted for some time, and the people 
were much melted under the word : it was a blessed 
4ay to me, and I believe to many 

"Wednesday, 11th. We set close to business in 
conference all day, and settled our matters with much 
peace and harmony, and the conference broke up at 
night. It was a profitable time. Four of our preach- 
ers located. None had died ; none expelled. Several 
new preachers engaged in the work, and we had a 
very good supply of preachers for the circuits. Lord 
send forth more labourers into thy vineyard. 

" Friday, 13th. Enoch George rode with me to the 
widow Smith's in Dinwiddie county ; then I rode to my 
father's, where I was glad to find the family in health. 

* The event proved that he did not fall very far short of his calcu- 
lations. He was spared a little longer, for usefulness, and for snfRjv 



REV. JESSE LEE. 235 

u Saturday, 14th. I spent part of the clay in walking 
about the plantation with my father, to see how he had 
fixed matters ; and withal to talk with him about many 
temporal matters. I wished him to make his will, for 
the peace of those who might live after him, and for 
the sake of his negroes, who are yet in slavery ; but 
he was not determined about it. I went in the even- 
ing to James Perkin's, who married my sister, where 

1 met with brother Edward and his family, and my 
brother John, where w r e stayed all night. 

11 Friday, 20th. I left my relations once more and 
set out for New-England, and my brother John being 
in bad health, set out with me, to see if riding would 
not be an advantage to his health. We rode to Rich- 
mond, and at night, in the court-house, I preached on 

2 Cor. vi. 17, 18. Wherefere come cut from among them, 
and be ye separate, 4'C. I felt w^eary and fatigued, and 
had but little liberty in speaking. 

" Tuesday 1st of May. We rode to Baltimore, 
where we met with many of the preachers from dif- 
ferent parts of the country, who had collected for the 
conference. At night in the Dunl^ard's meeting-house 
I preached on Heb. x. 24. And let us consider one 
another, to provoke unto love and good works. We had 
a good little stir amongst the people. It was a time 
of love and of weeping. I hope the Lord will prosper 
his work in Baltimore. 

" Saturday, 5th. At 12 o'clock conference broke 
up, and several of the preachers left town. We had a 
great deal of peace and union for the four days and a 
half that we set together. No one was expelled, and 
none located. One preacher was received on trial, — 
There has been but little stir of religion in the bounds 
©f the conference, except in a few circuits. 



"236 MEMOIR OF THE 

" Tuesday, 29th, I rode to the Variant's, at the 
head of Chester, and preached at 12 o'clock on Gal. 
vi. 7, Be not deceived. I had a very crowded house. 
I felt great liberty in preaching. The power and pre- 
sence of the Lord was with us, and most of the people 
were in tears. Our hearts were closely united toge- 
ther, and I was much blessed amongst my old friends. 
After meeting, Mrs. Vansant gave me an account of 
her being brought to seek religion. She said, after 
her husband was converted, he used to talk to her 
about her soul's welfare ; and others, preachers and 
private members, would talk to her, and persuade 
her to serve the Lord ; but she did not like to be 
spoken to on the subject, unless it was by wise and 
sensible persons ; for she was too proud to be ad- 
vised by every body. However, the Lord took a 
strange method with her. About ten or twelve years 
ago, she and her husband were standing at the door, 
and she said to her husband, ' I do wish we had money 
enough to buy another goose, for we have but one/ 
Her husband said, ' never mind, only trust in the Lord 
and he will provide you a goose.' In a few moments 
they heard the noise of a goose, and looked, and saw 
one flying in the air, which soon came and lighted down 
in the yard, with their goose and gander. ' There,* 
says her husband, \ I told you if you would trust in 
the Lord, he would provide a goose for you, and now 
he has done it.' She said she was so struck with the 
circumstance, that she began to believe that there was 
something in religion, and so began from that time to 
seek the Lord. She is now a steady Methodist, and 
says she is happy in the enjoyment of religion. She 
further told me, that they had inquired all about the 
neighbourhood, to know if any one had lost a goose, 



REV. jtSSE LEE. 237 

tut could never find where the goose came from, from 
that day till now ; and the goose is still with them. 
How gtrange is this ! that a woman who was too proud 
to be advised by common men, should be humbled and 
brought to seek the Lord by a strange goose. 

'* Wednesday, June 4th. We rode out of the state 
of Delaware, into Pennsylvania, and on to Philadelphia, 
and at night I preached on Ephes. iv. 3. I found free- 
dom in speaking to the people, and the word seemed to 
find its way to their hearts. I felt thankful and happy. 
Most of our preachers had collected in the city, from 
the different parts of the yearly conference bounds. 

" Thursday 7th, conference began. 

11 Saturday 9th, conference met at 8 o'clock, and sat 
till 2 o'clock in the afternoon, and then broke up. Just 
before the business was concluded, 1 had such a pain in 
my head, thatl withdrew and went to my lodging. We 
had a comfortable time at conference, though there 
were some disagreeable things amongst us. We had 
but few preachers admitted on trial ; and a few loca- 
ted : one had died. Most of the preachers present 
appeared to be much devoted to God. 

" Monday, July 9th. I took leave of my brother* 
John, perhaps for life. I felt very sorry to part with 
him, but duty called, and 1 felt willing to part with all 
my friends rather than neglect the work of God. My 
brother expected to sail in the afternoon or next morn- 
ing, for Virginia. I left him as well as he had been for 
a few days. I left New- York at 10 o'clock, and rode 
out to Nicholas Berrien's, near King's bridge : and at 3 

* His brother John, who accompanied him to the north, was in a 
low state of health. The svmptoms of his complaint became more 
alarming as he progressed northward. He embarked io a vessel a,t 
New- York, and returned to Virginia. 



238 MEMOIR OF THE 

o'clock I held forth on Rom. viii. 6. A few of the 
hearers were solemn. Mr. Asbury and Joshua Wells 
came to the house some time after meeting was over. 
They had stopped on the road, and took their dinners. 
The next day we rode to the widow Sherwood's ; I 
preached and J. Wells exhorted. Mr. Asbury was 
quite unwell all day, 

Friday, 20th. We rode pretty early, and crossed 
Connecticut river at the lower ferry, and travelled 
dismal road for a carriage, to New-London, better 
than thirty miles from the place we started from in the 
morning: night overtook us before we got into the 
city. We put up at brother Gale's. He informed 
us that they had just been raising the frame of a Metho- 
dist meeting-house, that afternoon, in New-London. I 
hope this will be profitable to the souls of the people, 
in some future day, and that the society here will 
prosper more than ever. 

*>< Wednesday, 25th. We rode out of Connecticut 
into the state of Rhode-Island, and a very bad road 
part of the way : but we arrived at General Lippet's 
just before dark. I was rather uncomfortable both in 
body and mind, but was much pleased to meet with my 
old friends again. 

Friday, August 17th. We rode early in the morn- 
ing, and the day being uncomfortably warm, travel- 
ling was rendered very unpleasant : however, we had 
a heavy shower of rain in the afternoon, which made 
it more pleasant. Night found us at major llsley's, at 
Back Cove, in Falmouth, where we rested comforta- 
bly. The next day I rode over the bridge to Port- 
land, and spent the forenoon amongst our friends. I 
had the society together, and talked and prayed with 
them, and had reason to bejieve that the Lord was 



REV. JESSE LEE. 239 

with them ; but they had suffered by the loss of brother 
T. Boynton, a faithful leader, who had died a few 
months before. 

"Tuesday, 21st. We rode to the widow Rowe's. 
and at 3 o'clock Mr. Asbury preached on Acts ii. 21 . 
He gave us a good discourse ; then I exhorted. We 
had a heavy shower of rain> accompanied with awful 
thunder, in the evening. The thunder struck in seve- 
ral places, not far off. .1 went to the door to look out. 
and thinking it very probable we should have another 
clap of thunder, I thought I would put the chain of my 
watch in my pocket, that it might not attract the light- 
ning : at the instant I took hold of the chain of my 
watch, we had a flash of lightning that struck an ox, 
and killed him dead in the field, just before the door, 
about three hundred yards from the house. Our 
horses were about one hundred yards from the ox, at 
that time. I saw that the horses were not hurt, but 
did not know that the ox was killed till next morning ; 
the people told me that the hair of the ox was singed 
from the rump to the head. 

" Wednesday, 29th, conference began in Readfield ; 
we were closely engaged all day ; the next day we set 
in conference very early, and broke up at 8 o'clock. 
At 9, we held lovefeast, and had a large number of 
Methodists together, and none else. They spoke 
freely, and feelingly. It was a good time. At 1 1 
o'clock Mr. Asbury preached a good sermon; and, 
though before meeting he appeared to be weak, yet 
while he was preaching, he was quite strong and 
courageous. Then we ordained Timothy M^rritt, 
Robert Yellaley, and Aaron Humphrey, deacons, and 
Roger Searle, an elder. It was a very solemn time at 
the ordination ; but the people were so crowded in the 



240 MEMOIR OF THE 

gallerys that were not finished, that some of the joists 
gave way, and frightened the people very much for a 
few minutes, and some were slightly hurt. Then I 
preached on Rom. xvi. 20. My soul was much ani- 
mated with the presence of the Lord. The people 
were melted into tears. It was a precious time to many. 
Then we administered the Lord's Supper. I suppose 
there were above two hundred communicants ; it was a 
most solemn time at the table. 1 stood astonished at 
the sight ! to see so many people at the Lord's table, 
when it is not quite five years since we first came into 
this part of the world. After meeting, Mr. Asbury 
horrowed my horse and set out on his journej', and left 
me to settle the remainder of the conference business. 
I was quite busy till bed time. I felt thankful to God 
for the privilege of being at the first conference that 
was ever held in the Province of Maine. 

" Wednesday, September llith.. Our conference 
began in Granville, at 8 o'clock ; most of the preachers 
were present. It was a very agreeable day. 

<c Friday, 21st. We had a blessed time in preaching; 
preachers and people, were melted into tears ; twelve 
persons were ordained. Mr. Asbury then gave the 
preachers their stations, and our conference broke up. 
We had some good accounts of the work of God in dif- 
ferent circuits ; above two hundred had joined in the 
state of Vermont, and in the bounds of the conference, 
we had added about one thousand members ; we 
received ten new preachers. Praise God, O my soul ! 

M Saturday, 22d. We left Granville, but I have 
forgotten the name of the man at whose house we 
lodged, although 1 stayed there four nights. The 
man of the house was not at home ; but I understood 
he was a deacon of the Congregational church. We 



REV. JESSE LEE. 241 

■ware kindly entertained at his house. We had a 
rough road to travel, but we left the state of Massa- 
chusetts before night, and came into the state of Con- 
necticut, through Canaan, to Mr. Church's, in Salis- 
bury, where we tarried all night. 

" Friday, 28th. We made an early start, crossed 
the North river, seven miles above New York city ; we 
rode quite fast, and soon left the state of New- York, and 
came into New-Jersey, passed through Newark, and 
night overtook us before we got to Elizabeth-town, 
Tired and weary, we rested with brother Morrell. The 
people informed us that the deaths in New-York, 
with the yellow fever, were as many as had ever 
been, 

" Wednesday, October 3d. We rode to Burling- 
ton in the morning ; and there we heard of the death 
of brother John Dickins, and his daughter ; they both 
died the week before. I have not felt so much dis- 
tressed at hearing of the death of any person for a 
long time. In the death of brother Dickins, we have 
lost one of the best of Christians ; a good preacher ; 
a worthy and much respected man : and an uncom- 
monly faithful superintendant of the book concern. 
He died of the yellow fever in Philadelphia, which is 
stated to be much worse at this time, than at any 
former period. The accounts published in the news- 
papers, state that from sixty to eighty die of a day ; 
and one day, upwards of one hundred died. This 
ought to be considered as an awful, and sore judgment 
upon the people. After spending a little time in Bur- 
lington, we rode on, and left the state of New-Jersey ; 
crossed the Delaware river into the state of Pennsyl- 
vania, and on to Germantown, and put up at doctor 
Lusby's. The town was very full of people from 
22 



242 5IEM0IE OF THE 

Philadelphia. It was generally supposed that four 
fifths of the inhabitants of Philadelphia had moved 
out of the city ; and yet there died, in general, about 
sixty a day. The news about the fever engrossed 
most part of the conversation, and filled most of the 
public prints. 

" Saturday, 6th. We rode early, and left the state 
of Pennsylvania, and got into the state of Maiylandj 
and so on to William Howell's, at North-East, and put 
up with him. I was greatly pained at hearing of th#> 
apostacy of R ■ C— — , an old minister, dismally 
fallen. 

" Sunday, 7th. We stayed at North-East, and at 
11 o'clock, Mr. Asbury preached on Heb. xii. 15, 16, 
17. He gave us a good discourse, and I think, was 
profitable ; I exhorted : there was some little stir 
amongst the hearers. Two men were called to aii 
account in class meeting, for their conduct at a late 
election. Parties were strong in their opposition ; 
and the Methodists were too busy about politics ; and 
these men both drank too much. One fought, and 
the other pulled off his coat. When called upon to 
speak for themselves, they confessed their faults, and 
wept aloud, and begged both God and man to forgive 
them. All present sympathized with, and forgave 
them. 

46 Tuesday, 9th. We rode to Baltimore; the 
weather was warm, and remarkably dry ; there had 
been very little rain for many weeks. At night, I 
attended a prayer meeting in the new church, and the 
presence of the Lord was there, and the people were 
much quickened. — My soul was happy. 

"Monday, 15th. Brother John Harper set out 
with me about sunrise ; we rode to Georgetown, and 



REV. JESSE LLE. 

put up at colonel Bell's. It was a hard day's ride, 
about forty-four miles. The next day we made an 
early start, took breakfast in Alexandria, and there 
met with Mr. Asbury. We then set out, rode through 
Colchester, and Dumfries, to brother Ward's, where 
we stayed all night. 

"Saturday, 20th. I left my company and rode to 
Petersburg, where I met with some of my brothers. 

" Tuesday, 30th. We rode to George Trotter's, 
where we met with Mr. Asbury and several preachers. 
It was a day appointed for Mr. Asbury to meet the 
local preachers, but w r e had but three or four of them 
present. We talked and prayed together, and were 
much united in love and friendship. 

u Wednesday, 31st. At Paup's meeting-house, Mr. 
Asbury preached on Eph. v. 25, 26, 27. He gave us 
a good discourse. Then I exhorted, and the power 
of the Lord was amongst us ; many wept,, and some 
cried aloud with deep distress. Then Miles Harper 
exhorted, and dismissed the assembly. The class was 
desired to remain. Brother Mead, who was present, 
began to sing, and in a little while many were affected, 
and a general weeping began. John Easter pro- 
claimed aloud, ' I have not a doubt in my soul but 
what my God will convert a soul to day!' The 
preachers then requested all that were under convic- 
tion to come together. Several men and women 
came, and fell upon their knees ; and the preachers, 
for some time, kept singing, and exhorting the mourn- 
ers to expect a blessing from the Lord ; till the cries 
of the mourners became truly awful. Then prayer 
was made in behalf of the mourners, and two or 
three found peace. My soul did magnify the Lord, 
and rejoice in God my Saviour, Here I end the 



244 memoir of orn£ 

month, in which I have travelled about five hundred 
miles ; I have felt much peace and comfort in m} 
soul. I hope the next month will be more devoted to 
God than what this has been. Even so : amen, and 
amen ! 

" Thursday, November 8th. We rode to Danie! 
Shine's, who married Gabriel Long's widow. I 
inquired where brother Long was buried, and went te 
his grave, and stood by it a few minutes with a grate- 
ful remembrance of his past kindness to me. When I 
lived with him nineteen years ago, I do not remember 
ever to have seen a man, who was a private Christian 3 
that equalled him for piety and a depth of religion 
His surviving consort told me he died very happy, 
He left no will.™ The reason why he left no will, was 
owing, probably, to his being opposed to slavery, and 
the laws of the state would not allow him to free them«, 
and he was not disposed to will them to any particular 
person." 

He continued his tour, principally in company with 
bishop Asbury, through the Carolinas, then crossed 
the Savannah river at the Cherokee ford into Georgia ; 
and the last day of the year found him in Charleston* 
ready for the conference, which was to commence the 
next day. 



CHAPTER XV. 



Reflections at the commencement of the year.— Conference at 
Charleston. — Commencement of a revival at Lockwood's 
Folly, related by Mr. Belvieu. — Conference in Baltimore- 
Conference in Philadelphia.— Do. in New-York.— An earth- 
quake. — An account of Martin Boehm's conversion, and call 
to the ministry. — Goes to the south. — Forms Oconee circuit, 
in Georgia.— Views the ruins of Mr. Whitefield's Orphan 
Asylum. — Returns to Virginia. — Conference at Blunt's, in 
Isle of Wight.— Goes to Maryland.— Conference at Stone 
Chapel. 

TUESDAY, January 1, 1799. 1 have now entered 
upon a new year. O my soul ! enter thou into greater 
depths of the joy of the Lord, I felt fresh desires 
to spend the year, if spared, more to the glory of 
God, than what I have done in my former years. 
Our conference met in Charleston, at 9 o'clock. We 
had thirty-three preachers present, which belonged 
to the travelling connexion, including those who were 
just received to travel the ensuing year. Several 
young men were received, and some of them were 
highly recommended. 

" Friday, 4th. Conference met at half past 8 
o'clock. At half after 10, Mr. Asbury preached on 
Heb. xiii. 17, 18. After sermon we ordained seven 
deacons, and three elders. We met in conference 
again at 3 o'clock, and finished our business. We 
had much love and union amongst us during the time 
we were together. We parted in much love. Thomas 
Humphries, Mark Moore, Henry M. Gaines, and 



£46 MEMOIR OF THE 

Richard Posey, located. John N. Jones had died the 
summer before. We sent George Clark to form a 
circuit about St. Mary's, in Georgia. O that we may 
ever love and serve the Lord, and continue united in 
love, all our days 1 

" Wednesday, 30th. Mr. Asbury and myself left 
Charleston, and crossed Cooper river at demon's 
ferry, and rode to brother Jackson's, at Caineho}^, and 
stayed all night. Here I would observe, that 1 stayed 
four weeks and almost two days in Charleston ; in 
which I preached seventeen times, besides attending 
many other meetings, both in public and in private, 
and I often had such faith in the promises of God, and 
such a sense of his presence, that I could not doubt 
but what the Lord would revive his work amongst the 
people ; I frequently spoke of my feelings concerning 
this matter. Mr. Asbury seemed to think differently, 
and frequently expressed his awful fears, that the 
people were growing worse and worse. Well, let the 
matter turn out as it may, I know that God was amongst 
the people, and that my expectation of a revival ©f 
religion afforded comfort to my soul. 

" Friday, February 1st. We rode about fifty miles, 
and made it till after 10 o'clock, before we got to Mr. 
Boon's. Mr. Asbury ran his carriage against a stump, 
and turned it over, and hurt his arm a little by falling 
out. 

" Thursday, 7th. At Little river meeting-house, 
Mr. Asbury preached, and I followed, on 1 Cor. xv. 
33. Several people were much wrought upon. 
Lord, make our labours a lasting blessing to many 
souls. We then left South Carolina, and rode into the 
state of North Carolina. — Came to Mr. Gause', and 
fctayed all night. 



REV. JESSE LEE. 247 

" Sunday, 10th. At Charlotte meeting-house, Mr. 
Asbury preached, and after an intermission of fifteen 
minutes, I preached. God was in the midst of us. 
Several young converts were present ; and they, with 
others, were deeply melted into tears ; some of them 
could hardly refrain from roaring aloud. Glory be to 
God in the highest, for this meeting. We then rode 
to friend Belvieu's. There I received some account 
of the beginning of the late revival of religion, which 
began at this house. 

" On the 24th of December last, one of our friends 
was at Mr. Belvieu's house, and prayed in the family. 
The next night, Mr. Belvieu said to a young man, 
* what shall we do about prayer to night V The young 
man said he did not know, he would read, and sing a 
hymn, if the other would pray. The other said he 
could not pray. However, after supper the young 
man came out of the other room, and said to Mr. Bel- 
vieu, ' I feel a desire to pray in the family, and I wish 
you would call the black people together.' Mr. Belvieu 
told me he felt struck with astonishment, and did not 
know whether he was in earnest or not ; however, he 
went to the door to call the black people, but before 
he had time to call them, one of the women in the 
house began to pray earnestly, and he ran back into 
the house, and they were soon in a flood of tears. All 
the people now flocked into the house, and the young 
man began to pray ; and they continued praying till 
Mr. Belvieu's wife got converted ; and the young man 
who prayed, also became a subject of converting 
grace, and others were deeply distressed on the 
account of their sins. And thus they continued praying 
and rejoicing, till late in the night ; this was the begin- 
ning of a revival of religion on Lockwood's Folly : 



M% MEMOIR OF THE 

and it has prospered since ; many having been born 
again, and brought into the liberty of the children of 
God. There is still a blessed prospect of religion ia 
the neighbourhood. Lord increase it. 

" Sunday, March 17th. We rode to William's meet- 
ing-house-, Mr. Asbury preached ; he finished his dis- 
course, dismissed the assembly, and went to his lodg- 
ings. After a few minutes, I preached on 2 Peter 
iii. 17. I spoke very plainly and pointedly to the peo- 
ple, and the power of the Lord attended the word to 
many hearts. A little more than sixteen years ago, I 
came with brother E. Drumgoole, into these parts, 
before any Methodists came to form a circuit. At that 
time I felt much concerned for the souls of the people ; 
but have never had it in my power to come amongst 
them from that time until now. The Lord has wrought 
wonders since that time ; and the work of grace has 
not stopped : Lord carry it on more abundantly ! We 
lodged that night at Edward Burrell's." 

After visiting Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Princess- 
Ann, where a good and gracious work of religion was 
progressing, they came onto Sussex, where conference 
was to be held. 

" Tuesday, April 9th. I rode to Stith Parham's, 
and put up. At 9 o'clock conference met in Jones' 
Chapel, in Sussex county, Virginia, and upwards of 
fifty preachers had assembled. Conference broke up 
the 11th. At this conference we received nine 
preachers on trial, and admitted seven into full con- 
nexion. Thirteen located, and one had died. We 
had lost some in the number of our members. 

" Wednesday, May 1st. Our conference began ia 
Baltimore. Many preachers were present. We set 



REV. JESSE LEL, 249 

three hours in the forenoon, and about three hours 
in the afternoon. 

" Saturday, 4th. At sunrise, Seely Bunn preached 
on Heb. xi. 24 — 26. He gave us a good discourse,, 
and it had some weight on the minds of the people. — 
We set in conference again both in the forenoon and 
in the afternoon, and then finishing the business, we 
dismissed the conference. We had a good peaceable 
time amongst the preachers. They were affectionate, 
but had no great stir of religon, or any very lively 
meetings. 

" After we had finished our business in conference, 
four of the largest preachers amongst us went to a 
friend's store, and were weighed. My weight was 
259lbs. Seely Bunn's 252, Thomas Lucas' 245, and 
Thomas F. Sergent weighed 220 ; in all 976/6$. A 
wonderful weight for four Methodist preachers, and 
all of us travel on horse back. 

m Wednesday, 8th. We went down to the ferry to 
cross the bay, and the wind appeared quite too high 
for us to venture over, so we turned back to the house, 
and Mr. Asbury concluded to go round the head of 
the bay, and leave me to cross alone, and to attend to 
the appointments till he could come to me. 1 waited 
about two hours, and then took boat, and crossed the 
Chesapeake Bay, in an hour, where it was about seven 
miles wide. I went to Doctor Anderson's, where ! 
spent the afternoon and night. I felt thankful to the 
Lord for his preserving goodness towards me that day. 

* Tuesday, 14th. We rode down to Doctor Al- 
len's, and spent a little time with him, and then went 
to Easton, where I preached. My subject was Jude 
3. I had a blessed time in speaking to the people, 
and my soul was much quickened ; there was a good 



250 MEMOIR OF THE 

move in the congregation. Mr. Asbury and C. Sprj 
exhorted with power. I was quite astonished to see 
what a number of people had collected at our meeting, 
The house was filled from end to end, gallerys and all ? 
and abundance of people, out of doors, that could not 
get in. Glory be to God, for that precious meeting ! 
We then pursued our journey, crossed Choptank river 
at Dover ferry* and went home with William Frazier, 
and stayed all night. This place was once a home for 
me, when I rode this circuit, almost fourteen years 
ago. I was truly thankful to the Lord for bringing 
me there once more. 

" Friday, 3 1st. We rode early, and reached Milford 
a little after the middle of the day. At 4 o'clock I 
preached on Eccle. xii. 13. I had a good degree of 
liberty and power in preaching. It was a solemn time 
and a melting season with many of them. Surely 
God was there ! Mr. Asbury then ordained three 
deacons, and then exhorted ; we had a crowded con* 
gregation, and a very profitable meeting. It has beea 
about twelve years since I was in this town. Since 
then, the place has considerably improved, and religion 
has gained some ground. I here had the pleasure of 
seeing many of my old acquaintances, and one who was 
formerly a very pious man, is now a poor backslider. 
He wept greatly while I was speaking ; and after 
ward when I talked to him, I could scarcely refrain 
from tears. 

" Saturday, June 1st. I preached at sunrise in Mil* 
ford ; and then rode to Barrett's Chapel in Fredirica, 
and preached at 11 o'clock. The Lord owned his 
word and made it profitable to some souls. We the$ 
rode to Dover, and put up at Abraham Ridgely's, who 
is secretary of the state of Delaware, took dinner with 






KEY. JESSE LEE. 251 

him, and then went over to Richard Bassett's, who is 
the governor of the state, and took tea with him. He 
and the secretary and their wives are all Methodists. 
At night the secretary of state went to the state- house 
and rung the bell for meeting. We met, and Ezekiel 
Cooper preached, and Ephraim Chambers exhorted. 
" Thursday, 6th. Our yearly conference began, 
in Philadelphia. We met at 9 o'clock in the forenoon, 
and at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, we had a large num- 
ber of preachers together ; at night I preached on 
Matt. iii. 2. Repent for the kingdom of Heaven is 
Ht hand. I had great freedom in speaking, and was 
led out far beyond my expectation in explaining the 
text, and the word took hold of many hearts ; some 
soared aloud, and some shouted : glory be to God ! 
it was a good time to my poor soul. I felt as if I 
could have met my Lord with pleasure, and have gone 
from the pulpit to glory. 

M Friday, 7th. We met in conference again. We 
had a pretty good day, and the hearts of the brethren 
were much united. Business at night, prevented me 
from going to meeting. 

" Wednesday, 12th. At 5 o'clock, in the morning, 
Aiming Owen preached. He gave us a lively dis- 
course, and several of the people were melted into 
tears. We set in conference again, and after spend- 
ing a little time together, we finished our business* 
and conference broke up, and the preachers dispersed. 
The next day we made an early start, and just before 
night we left the state of Pennsylvania, crossed the 
Delaware river into the state of New-Jersey, and 
rode to brother Cobb's, in Trenton. At night I 
preached to a little congregation, and with some 
liberty. The day following we met with Mr, Asbury 



252 MEMOIR OP THE 

at Brunswick, and after dinner rode to Mr. Harnet jfe, 
and stayed all night with him. 

" Saturday, 15th. We rode early, stopped a while 
in Elizabeth-town. Then rode to Newark, and 
crossed the North river into the state of New- York, 
a little before night. I put up in the city at brother 
Philip I. Arcularius'. 

"Wednesday, 19th. Our conference began at 9 
o'clock, in New- York. We had several candidates 
brought forward to travel, and they were mostly 
received. We had a large number of preachers at 
conference ; and they brought pleasing accounts, from 
their respective circuits, of a gracious work of God 
amongst the people. 

" Thursday, 20th. We set in conference again* 
and examined the characters of the preachers, and I 
was thankful to find that they had generally adorned 
the gospel in their lives and conversation. 

M Saturday, 22d. We met in conference again, and 
in the forenoon we finished our business, and the 
preachers left the city : we had a good conference, 
and we had an increase of members in society, especi- 
ally in the New-England states. The Lord has been 
very good and gracious to the preachers in the bounds 
of this conference. On sabbath, in our different con- 
gregations, we collected three hundred dollars for our 
travelling preachers. 

" Wednesday, 26th. Crossed Croton river, and 
stopped at Gen. Courtlandt's, where we took dinner. At 
Croton church, 2 o'clock, I preached on 1 Cor. ix. 
27. I had a happy time in public ; my soul was much 
quickened and refreshed with the presence of God. 
Then Mr. Asbury exhorted. We then rode on, but 
had to stop a while to get out of a shower of rain, and 



REV. JESSE LE'E. 253 

then rode again, when there came on a very heavy 
thunder gust, and we had to stop an hour or upwards. 
We then put on again. When we got to Peekskill, I 
rode up to a house, where lived a Methodist, and 
wished to stay all night, the good woman made many 
excuses. I told her Mr. Asbury was sick ; it was then 
dusk, and raining : but she said it would be best for 
him to lodge at the next house, and we went there, but 
the man said they were not prepared to entertain 
Grangers. So we went on, and got to old governor 
Courtlandt's, some time after they were all in bed ; 
however, they arose and received us gladly. I was 
truly thankful that we did not stop till we got here. 
We were well entertained, and comfortably accommo- 
dated in the governor's house. 

" Tuesday, July 30th. About 5 o'clock, in the 
morning, having just arose out of bed, I heard a very 
strange noise, but could not tell whether it was thunder, 
cannons, or a roaring in the chimney. I went to the 
window, but saw nothing. I then concluded it must be 
an earthquake, which was confirmed that day by 
others who heard it in other places. Just before night 
we rode to old friend Martin Boehm's ; he was for- 
merly a minister amongst the Menonists, chosen by 
them to preach, before he was converted, or had any 
intention of preaching. The custom of the Menonists 
in making choice of a preacher is this : When they 
want a minister, they assemble together, and choose one 
by ballot, and then they take two, three, or more of 
those that have the largest number of votes, and take 
-as many tickets, and put them in a book, and write on 
one, ' This is to be the minister', and each of these 
men draw out a ticket, and he that draws the one 
with the writing on it, is to be their minister. OW 
23 



254 



MEMOIR OF THE 



friend Boehm told me he was thus chosen. He 
inquired of the people what he must preach. They 
told him, < Repentance and faith.' He began preach- 
ing, and soon after got awakened, and converted, and 
then preached so much of repentance and faith, that 
he was afterward disowned for it. He is now united 
with us, and has children and grand children in our 
society. The old man wears his beard at its full 
growth. He preaches altogether in the German lan- 
guage ; after 1 prayed in the family at night, he 
prayed in German. 

" Wednesday, 31st, At friend Boehm's meeting- 
house I preached on Isai. xxx* 21. I had a very pre- 
cious season in preaching, and the power of the Lord 
was with us : and there were many tears shed by the 
hearers ; thank God for another happy meeting. 
Then Mr. Asbury preached on Heb. vi. 12. He 
gave us a good discourse. I then went and took a 
view of the grave of William Jessop, who was buried 
at the meeting-house between three and four years 
ago. He was a favoured friend of mine, and a travel- 
ling preacher for many years. I felt very solemn 
when I thought of his departure. I understood that 
he departed this life in the full triumph of faith. His 
last words were i my work is done,. Glory ! Glory! 
Glory!' and so died away. O Lord, let me die the 
death bf tne righteous ! 

" Saturday, August 17th. It rained considerably in 
the forenoon, which was greatly needed, for there 
had been a remarkable drought for many weeks ; we 
setoff about 11 o'clock, and rode to Winchester. I 
preached in the meeting-house to a small congregation, 
and most of them were from the country, it being 
quarterly meeting. After meeting I went and visited 



REV. JESSE LEE. 255 

the prisoners, and there I found E. J confined in 

irons, waiting to be tried for his life. He was the same 
man I visited in Washington, in the state of Georgia, 
last December, on the day he was to have been exe- 
cuted, being condemned for stealing a negro ; but the 
day of his execution was put off for a few weeks, and 
he says he was afterwards pardoned. When I talked 
to him in Georgia, a few hours before he expected to 
be hanged, he said he had made his peace with God, 
and believed he should be saved. His life is no bet- 
ter, for all his pretended religion. I fear most part of 
the penitents in a dungeon are but little better. Yet 
I believe some have sought and found favour with 
God." 

From Winchester, he proceeded in company with 
Bishop Asbury, attending numerous appointments in 
Virginia, then through North and South Carolina into 
the state of Georgia. Having yet some time to spare, 
before the commencement of the southern confe- 
rence, Mr, Lee endeavoured to employ this time 
actively : and formed a new circuit in Georgia, be- 
tween the Oconee, and Appalachy rivers. This circuit 
was called Oconee, after the river of that name. This 
new settlement, which was then formed into a two 
weeks circuit, has since widened into a district, and 
many have been brought into the fold through the 
instrumentality of the Methodists. After forming the 
Oconee circuit, he spent a few weeks in travelling 
through other parts of the state of Georgia, and then 
went to Charleston, to attend the conference, which 
commenced in that place the 1 st of January, 1 800. The 
conference continued four days, and every thing was 
conducted with peace and propriety. Seven young 
men were received into the travelling ministry, as 



2BG MEMOIR OP THE 

probationers : none had died during the year, and not 
one location was called for ; accounts from all circuits 
were favourable. 

Leaving Charleston on the 7th, he set his face again 
towards Georgia. In his journey he had to encounter 
with weather unusually severe for that climate. On 
the 10th he found the snow two feet and a half deep 
on a level. " Such a snow (says he) I suppose was 
never seen in these parts before by the oldest person 
living ; the family, black and white people, were 
frightened half out of their wits. I don't remember 
that I ever saw more snow fall in one day and night ia 
New-England, than what fell in South Carolina and 
Georgia. It was very cold withal." This snow mad6 
great destruction amongst the trees and undergrowth, 
so as to render travelling extremely difficult. How- 
ever he continued to push on, and on the 12th reached 
Savannah in Georgia, where the depth of the snow con- 
tinued almost undiminished ; and he was induced to 
tarry in Savannah one day, which gave him an opportu- 
nity of preaching for the first time in his life in that 
place. The next day he went on, crossed the Ogeechee, 
and on the 13th aimed to get into Barrington, but was 
bewildered amongst the ponds, and at night was glad to 
get shelter in a log cabin without any doors, and thirty 
or forty hogs sleeping under it : these were some of 
his consolations in that newly inhabited country. On 
the 16th he crossed the Altamaha with much diffi- 
culty, and not without danger, as the flat in which 
they were ferried over, was so old and rotten that it 
would hardly hold together. On the 17th he rode 
fifty computed miles, which brought him to the Sattilla 
river, and from thence the next day he reached the 
ipwn of St. Mary's. u Here (says he) I was brought 



REV. JESSE LEE. 257 

to think of the great goodness of God towards me in 
my extensive travels, through the United States. I 
have been twice through them to the north, into the 
British government, and am now at the dividing line, 
between the States and Florida in the south. Surely 
I ought always to rejoice and praise the Lord, for 
his kindness both to my soul and body." 

On Sunday, 19th, he preached in the court-house, 
in St. Mary's, to a large congregation of attentive 
hearers, and felt a hope that good was done, both in 
the forenoon and afternoon. And even in this remote 
pluce he met with friends and an old acquaintance 
from Virginia. From St. Mary's he hurried on, 
through mud, water and swamps, making long rides, 
and preaching every day. On the 25th he rode 
fifty miles, and preached on the way ; arrived at 
night at Mr. John Lander's, where he makes the fol- 
lowing remarks. " I have been absent from this 
place six nights and seven days. I have rode in this 
time about one hundred and sixty-five miles. I have 
remarked that the country is very level, and fhe land 
very poor, except near the water courses, being mostly 
low pine, barren, and almost covered with what is 
called saw pimento, but on the river Sattilla and a 
few other places, the land is good. The country is 
no doubt very sickly, except on the Sattilla, which 
is a tide river, and the town of St. Mary's, which 
is open to the sea, and situated on a dry sandy 
bluff The country is very good for cattle, but 
at present it is a poor place for piety or morality, 
few people making any profession of religion, and 
many who are addicted to very bad habits, find a 
dwelling in these parts. Drunkenness is very com- 
mon amongst the people. Persons who violate the 
23* 



258 MEMOIR OF THE 

laws of their country find it convenient to flee from 
justice, either to the Indians on the west or the Span- 
iards on the south, and thus get out of the laws of the 
United States. I heard of some people in those two 
counties, Glenn and Camden, that were grown up, 
and some that had families, who had never heard a 
sermon or a prayer in all their lives, until last sum- 
mer, when brother George Clark first came amongst 
them. Surely these people will receive the gospel, 
and press into the kingdom of God." 

" Friday, 24th. We rested at brother Linder's. I 
found a rest da}? to be very profitable to me. The 
day past away very agreeably, but after we had been 
in bed a few hours, we were waked out of our sleep 
by a drunken man, who beset the house with a heavy 
club indifferent places, and called to the family to get 
up, and swore that he would be the death of the preach- 
ers. I was fearful he would do mischief, so I arose 
and fastened the room door. At last he went to ano- 
ther house hard by, and they gave him a torch in his 
hand, and he went off." 

Here he rested again the day following ; made out 
the plan of the new circuit which he had formed in 
his late tour, which was called St. Mary's. From 
thence he went on toward Savannah, at which place 
he arrived the 29th. 

"Friday, 31st," he has these remarks in his jour- 
nal. " Mr. Miller, and Mr. Holcomb, a Baptist, and 
myself rode down about twelve miles to Bethesda, to 
see Whitefield's orphan house. I felt very solemn in 
viewing the ruins of that institution. There were 
two wings of the building standing ; they were of 
brick, one story high, and about one hundred and 
thirty feet long, with four chimneys in each. These 



REV. JESSE LEE, 25$ 

buildings are going to decay very fast, one of the 
chimneys has fallen down. In one of these wings lives 
a small family ; some negroesjlive in a part of the other 
wing ; and a part is used for a horse stable. There 
was an old dwelling house also, that was likely soon 
to fall down. The brick walls which formerly enclosed 
the yard, were levelled with the earth, and in places, 
ploughed up to the foundation. The place, taking in 
land and buildings, rented for thirty dollars a year. 
There was no school of any kind kept on the pre- 
mises. I understood that the general assembly of 
Georgia had taken possession of the place, and also, 
another plantation, and the slaves which belonged to 
it ; the whole is rented out, and the profits arising 
therefrom are applied in maintaining a small school of 
orphan children, who are educated not far from that 
place. I viewed these ruins with great sorrow ; and 
called to mind the great collections of money for the 
use of the institution, and the many prayers offered 
up to God for his blessing upon it ; and the pains 
which had been taken to carry it into successful ope- 
ration ; and then to see the gloomy appearance which 
it made, 1 felt a secret wish that the Lord would open 
the way for some good to be done by it yet. 

" Monday, February 3d. I left Savannah, and 
preached at a meeting-house called Goshen. The 
next day I rode, pretty early, up to the Sister's ferry, 
crossed the Savannah river into the state of South 
Carolina, and so went to William Manius', about five 
miles from the ferry, and stayed all night. In these 
parts, the snow that fell when I was there before, had 
lain in some places two weeks. Here I will observe, 
that 1 had been in the state of Georgia twenty-four 
days j in which time I preached eleven times ; rode 



260 MEMOIR OF THE 

four hundred miles ; and most of the time, the 
weather had been disagreeable either for travelling or 
preaching." 

Friday, 7th. He reached Charleston, and at night, 
preached to a congregation, who received the word 
with much apparent delight. On the 11th, he left 
Charleston, went on by Cainehoy, crossed Santee 
river, and with much difficulty, reached Mr. Boon's. 
The roads were exceedingly bad* On the 13th, he 
reached Georgetown, and preached. He left George- 
town on the 15th, crossed Black river, and Peedee, 
went on by Kingston, and then into the state of INorth 
Carolina; took Charlotte, and Lockwood's Folly, in 
his way ; and from thence to Wilmington. At this 
place, he had an opportunity of paying a tribute of 
respect to the memory of General George Washing- 
ton. America was in mourning at that time, in conse- 
quence of his death. Mr. Lee partook of the com- 
mon sentiment and feeling of a nation, on this mourn- 
ful occasion. Though it is needless to award the 
meed of praise to a man who so richly deserved, and 
so unanimously received the applause of mankind, yet 
we cannot pass over the notice of this event, without 
paying our tribute of respect to the man whom a 
nation delighfe'th to honour. By Americans the name 
of Washington will always be pronounced with 
respect and gratitude, while foreign nations will unite 
in eulogizing his political and domestic virtues, and in 
perpetuating his fame as the father of his country. 
" Honour to whom honour is due, and tribute to whom 
tribute is due." 

From Wilmington he proceeded on through North 
Carolina, chiefly in company with bishop Asbury, 
whom he assisted in his travels, and in his labours. 



REV. JESSE LEE. 261 

For three years had he been engaged in travelling 
extensively through the several conferences, as a 
helper to Mr. Asbury. It has been stated before, that 
Mr, Asbury's health was such as to make it absolutely 
necessary that some person should be with him, and 
assist him. Mr. Lee was the man who rendered him 
every assistance in his power ; and the conferences 
confided in his integrity, while he manifested an 
unshaken determination to promote the interests of 
the church ; and this he continued to do as long as 
his services were required. 

In April, the Virginia conference was to have met 
in Norfolk ; but in consequence of the small pox, 
which prevailed in Norfolk, at that time, it was thought 
most expedient to remove the setting of conference to 
Blunt's meeting-house, in Isle of Wight county. This 
point being determined, the preachers met at Blunt's 
accordingly, and conference opened on the 9th of 
April. " Here a certain person (says Mr. Lee) 
laboured hard to keep the preachers from going to 
the ensuing general conference, and endeavoured to 
make them promise him to go immediately to their 
circuits." Of the propriety or impropriety of this, 
we shall not undertake to determine. 

From the conference at Blunt's-, he went on 
toward the north, crossed James' river, at old James' 
town, where the first inhabitants of Virginia settled. 
" I went (says he) to the site of the old town on 
the island, and spent some time amongst the tombs, 
in viewing the stones, some of which had been 
engraven more than a hundred years ; but the church 
is quite demolished, except the brick walls of the 
steeple." He then proceeded on through Williams- 
burg, and Yorktown, crossed York river, into Glouce*- 



262 MEMOIR OF THE, &C 

ter, and went to Joseph Bellamy's ; from thence 
through King, and Queen, on by Port Royal, Dum- 
fries, and Alexandria, and then into Maryland, to the 
conference, which was held at the Stone chapel, about 
ten miles from Baltimore, and commenced the 1st 
of May. Here he was a little surprised that a certain 
person did not insist on any of the preachers going 
immediately to their circuits, but appeared entirely 
willing for them all to attend the general conference. 
But the reason appears to have been, that they were 
all now within ten miles of the place where the general 
conference was to be held, a few days after. 

The conference at Stone chapel, finished its busi- 
ness on Saturday, the 3d, and spent the sabbath in 
peaceful worship ; and on the 5th, rode to Baltimore, 
ready for general conference, which commenced the 
day following. 



CHAPTEK XVI. 



Retrospection. — Attends the General Conference in Baltimore. 
— Very near being elected Bishop. — False reports cleared 
up. — Goes to the north, as far as Lower Canada. — Returns 
to New- York. — Remarks at the close of the year. 

X HE traveller in pursuing his journey through a 
country, variegated with lofty hills, pleasant dales, 
and flowing streams, takes a pleasure, sometimes in 
stopping upon some eminence, and turning his eyes 
towards the place from whence he set off ; and thence 
of ruminating upon the path which his feet have trod, 
and the incidents of his journey, until his thoughts are 
arrested in the contemplation of the pleasing land- 
scape spread before him ; or follows the turbulent 
stream bounding over the rocks and seeking its way 
to more peaceful waters afar off. Thus the writer of 
this memoir, feels an inclination to pause a moment, 
and take a short retrospect of u days gone by ;" days 
indeed, in which the subject of our remarks was inti- 
mately connected. 

At the close of the eighteenth century Methodism 
had existed in America only about thirty years. The 
spirit which animated a Wesley, and prompted him to 
attempt a reformation in religion throughout the king- 
dom of Great Britain, inspired also the mind of a Capt. 
Webb, who, in a military costume, preached the gos- 
pel in its purity, in the city of New- York. He was a 
loyal subject of George III. and a faithful servant of 
the King of kings. 



264 MEMOIR OF THE 

The faithful exertions of Capt. Webb, and of Mr* 
Embury, in New-York and Pennsylvania, and ot 
Robert Strawbridge, in Maryland, afforded substantial 
proof to Mr. Wesley, that (here were materials 
in America, of which Methodism might be formed. 
The British Conference was called to offer its assist- 
ance in furnishing men and means, to spread the gos- 
pel on the shores of America. Two volunteers, 
Messrs. Boardman and Pilmore, nobly stepped for- 
ward, and tendered their services, which were accept- 
ed ; and they came with a present of fifty pounds in 
their hands, as a testimony of affection from the Bri- 
tish Conference, to their brethren on this side of the 
water. When they landed, which was on the 24th of 
October, 1769, they found a great and effectual door 
opened for the preaching of the gospel. They often 
preached in the open fields, and thousands flocked to 
hear. The reception which these men met with, 
enabled them to send a favourable report home to Blr. 
Wesley, and within two years after their arrival, they 
received the aid of two others ; viz. Francis Asbury 
and Richard Wright The Methodists in Europe and 
America, were governed by the same rules, and all 
aimed at the same thing ; namely, the spread of vital 
religion. The rules and discipline which had been 
adopted by the brethren in the old world governed 
those in the new. Mr. Wesley, being well apprised 
that in all associations there must be some one to take 
the lead, selected Mr. Asbury as a fit person to have 
the superintending charge of the preachers and socie- 
ties in America. Providence seems evidently to have 
directed him in his choice. Though the labourers 
were but few, and the fields large, they endeavoured 
to surmount difficulties, and apply their strength to 






REV. JESSE LEE'. 2G5 

the best advantage. In 1773, Mr. Wesley sent to 
the assistance of those preachers already in America, 
Messrs. Rankin and Shadford. As Mr. Rankin had 
been engaged in travelling and preaching longer than 
any who were in America, Mr. Wesley therefore 
transferred the superintendency to him. Soon after 
his arrival, a conference of preachers was called, 
which was convened in Philadelphia ; and it was 
ascertained that the strength of the Methodists con- 
sisted in ten travelling preachers, and eleven hundred 
and sixty members. The work extended from New- 
York to Virginia ; but there were many intermediate 
places where they were not known. 

The revolutionary war, which commenced in a few 
years after, greatly checked the missionary enterprize 
amongst the Methodists ; many of the societies were 
dispersed, and the preachers were much disquieted by 
the confusion which prevailed amidst the collision of 
political parties. 

After a long and arduous struggle, the sanguinary 
conflict came to an end, and the independence of the 
United States was acknowledged by the European pow- 
ers. This event was no less favourable to the church 
than to the nation. Through the labours of God's 
servants his cause began to prosper, and Methodism 
felt the fostering hand of the benevolent Father of our 
spirits. In the year 1784, the societies in America, 
were organized into a church. In 1800, the time of 
which we are now speaking, and about 30 years from 
the commencement of Methodism in this country, the 
Methodist preachers were spread all over the United 
States, and had penetrated into the wilds of Upper 
Canada, and the province of Nova Scotia. They enu- 
merated one hundred and fifty-six travelling preachers, 

24 



266 MEMOIR OP THE 

and between sixty and seventy thousand church mem- 
bers. 

From the year 1784, the time in which the church 
was regularly organized, and Messrs. Asbury and 
Coke were appointed bishops, or general superintend- 
ents, there was a regular and annual increase of labour- 
Doctor Coke, however, could not be prevailed upon 
to confine himself to America ; but from the multipli- 
city of plans which engaged his attention, he was 
obliged to spend the greater part of his time either in 
the island of Great Britain, or the West Indies, 
Bishop Asbury was, therefore, left with the whole 
burden of the superintendency, which, through afflic- 
tion of body, he was not able to sustain. He had made 
application to the preceding general conference for 
an assistant ; but upon Doctor Coke's giving some 
assurance to the conference that he w r ould give his 
services entirely to the Methodists in America, Mr. 
Asbury did not insist upon the appointment of any 
other at that time. Doctor Coke soon discovered that 
be had promised more than he was able to perform ; 
for we do not learn that he was present at more than 
one or two conferences, from the year 1796, until the 
year 1800. During this period, Mr. Asbury, through 
extreme weakness and debility, found it necessary to 
call to his assistance Mr. Lee ; who, by the voice of 
the annual conference, held at Wilbraham, in 1797, 
was appointed to travel with, and to assist Mr. Asbury 
in his labours ; but whilst Doctor Coke was absent, 
there could be no ordination, unless Mr. Asbury was 
present. Weak as he was, he found it necessary to 
exert all his remaining strength in attending to the 
frequent calls for ordination, at the several annual 
conferences, and elsewhere. Worn down under these 



REV. JESSE LEE. 267 

toils, he came to the conclusion, that unless the Episco- 
pacy was strengthened at the general conference of 
1800, he would he under the necessity of resigning, 
and it is said, had even prepared his valedictory 
address. The conference, therefore, took his case 
under consideration, and resolved that another bishop 
should be appointed. 

At that time there were two men, among many 
others, who deservedly stood high in the estimation of 
the members of the general conference — Mr. What- 
coat and Mr. Lee. The former came to this country 
in 1784, in company with Doctor Coke and Mr, Vasey. 
Mr. Whatcoat commenced his ministerial labours in 
Great Britain, about the year 1769 ; and was, there- 
fore, older than Mr. Lee, both in years and in the 
ministry. His experience and deep piety, and tried 
integrity, entitled him to great respect ; but his 
strength of body had evidently much declined through 
labour. 

Mr. Lee was known amongst the preachers, as a 
persevering and indefatigable man, of acknowledged 
integrity, and of uniform piety ; who possessed zeal 
which was not easily damped, and his experience 
•could not be called in question. He had followed the 
fortunes of the Methodist church, almost from its first 
rise in America ; and he knew how business should be 
transacted ; he was plain and undisguised in his man- 
ners, and was greatly gifted as a speaker. To these 
two men the attention of the general conference was 
directed ; but when put to the test, a small majority 
was in favour of Mr. Whatcoat, who was, therefore, 
elected bishop. Although to be a bishop of the Metho- 
dist church, was an office which Mr. Lee was far from 
coveting, yet it was a source of some regret to him 



MEMOIR VF THE 

that the election was not conducted with that coolness 
and impartiality which the solemnity of the occasion 
required. 

The following extract from his journal will fully 
explain his views and feelings on this subject. 

" Tuesday, 13th of May. There was some uneasi- 
ness in the minds of some of the preachers respecting 
a report which had been circulated by some person or 
persons, in order to prevent my election to the 
bishop's office. The report was this: — 'that Mr. 
Asbury said that brother Lee had imposed himself on 
him and on the connexion, for eighteen months past, 
and he would have got rid of him long ago if he could.* 
They came to me about it, and I told them I did not 
believe that Mr. Asbury said it ; but if he had reported 
it, I could prove to the reverse ; so I went to Mr. 
Asbury about it, who denied it, and said he wished 
me to consent to travel at large in future, and to attend 
the conferences, and assist in the business thereof, for 
he and brother Whatcoat could never do it ; and added 
that if I would not consent to go, he thought he should 
be forced to resign at the close of the conference. I 
told him I despised the idea of doing any thing out of 
resentment, and that I had but two things in view, 
respecting my manner of travelling : one was the peace 
^ind happiness of my own mind; and the other was, 
the good of the church, and Methodism at large ; and 
that I had but little expectation of complying with his 
request, though I was not fully determined against it. 
I then told him if he found freedom, I wished he would 
speak in conference about the report above mentioned. 
So we went into conference, and he spoke to the sub- 
ject, and denied the charge, and said he was thankful 
for my past service?: and did wish for them in the con- 



REV. JESSE LEE. 269 

ferences in future. We traced the report until we 

fixed it on T • L , and he did not clear 

himself.*' 

So true it is, i; that envy always finds a mark to 
shoot at." These insinuations, thrown out at a time 
of general excitement, no doubt had a tendency to 
influence the minds of some against Mr. Lee, and in all 
probability, was the cause why he was not elected* 
From this statement of facts, we may perceive that 
he had many warm friends, who esteemed him highly 
for his work's sake ; but though he doubtless had ene- 
mies, it is not necessary to suppose all were such 
who opposed his election to the office of a bishop. 
While they gave a preference to another for this high 
office, they might have had the fullest confidence in 
his integrity, and the warmest affection for his person. 
Eut we dismiss this subject by observing, that though 
much more might have been said, yet to have said 
less vvould hive been an act of injustice to the dead. 
" He that desireth the office of a bishop, desireth a 
good thing." 

After much business as well as faithful preaching, 
the conference closed its session in peace and harmony. 
There was scarcely a sermon delivered but was 
attended with the displays of divine power. While 
the attention of the people was awakened, and the 
meeting-houses were thronged with hearers, Mr. Lee 
thought once more of the commons, and the market- 
house ; places at which he had formerly preached to 
thousands ; and he now concluded to make another 
trial in the market- house*. The following extract will 
show that he had no cause to regret his labour. 

" Sunday, 18th of Miy, at 5 o'clock in the market- 
iiouse. on Howard's hill, I preached on John xvm. 3 

24* 



370 BtEMOIR OF THE 

And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the 
only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent. 
The power of the Lord came down amongst us while 
I was speaking, and the people wept and roared aloud, 
and prayed most earnestly. Joseph Totten exhorted 
with life. Afterward several prayed with those 
that were under conviction. I was afterward inform- 
ed by letter, fhat seven souls were awakened by the 
sermon. and brought to God. Thank the Lord for a few 
more seals to my ministry under the market-house." 

Tuesday, 20th, conference finished its business. 
Mr. Lee's remarks are worthy of observation, and by 
the way, prove that his mind was not at all chagrined 
at the circumstance *>f his not being elected to the 
office of a bishop. We are inclined to think that h£ 
viewed it as a matter of minor importance that another 
was, in that respect, preferred before him. " 1 believe 
{says he) we never had so good a general conference 
before ; we had the greatest speaking, and the greatest 
tmion of affections that we had ever had on a like 
occasion." 

Leaving Baltimore, he proceeded to conference at 
Duck creek, which commenced the 2d of June. Here 
extraordinary power was displayed under the preach- 
ing of the gospel, during the five days in which the 
conference was employed in transacting its business. 
One hundred and fifty souls professed to experience 
converting grace. Indeed we have no account of any 
conference that was ever blessed in the same degree 
before. Mr. Lee acted as secretary to the conference. 
His travels and labours for the remaining part of the 
year will be seen from the following extracts. 

41 Saturday, June 7th. I took my leave of Duck 
sreek, and left several preachers there, who intended 



REV. JESSE LEE. 

to hold meeting the next day ; one of them had given 
out word in public, that they intended to continue 
their meeting day and night, as long as the Lord would 
convert souls. We had a warm ride to Wilmington, 
and some rain ; I got there just before night, and put 
up at Allen M'Lane's. In all my serious hours, 
whether I was riding or sitting, I would, at times, find 
myself lost in meditation, and fancy that I could hear 
abundance of people shouting glory! glory to God! 
and for some time, if 1 fell asleep, when I awoke, it 
appeared to me as if I could hear many voices shout- 
ing glory ! honour, and salvation, &c. and being 
pleased with the imaginary sound, I would start to 
attend to it more particularly, and behold it was a 
dream ; but, glory to God ! my soul was on the wing, 
and I mounted higher and higher by faith and love^ 
towards heaven. 

" Sunday, 8th. I preached in Wilmington at 10 
-o'clock : my text was, Numb, xxxii. 23. Ye have 
sinned against the Lord : and be sure your sins xvilljind 
-you out. The Lord was amongst the people. At 3 
o'clock Ezekiel Cooper preached ; and at 5, in the 
market-house, Samuel Thomas preached to many 
hearers. Then at night, in the meeting-house, I 
preached on James i. 21. I had a crowded house, 
-and there was a great shaking amongst the dry bones ; 
and at the close of the meeting the people made such 
a noise, that many fled and ran out of the meeting- 
house. They could not bear to stay where God was 
powerfully present. Just so it was with guilty Adam+ 
when he heard God coming in the garden, he ran to 
hide himself: but not to ask forgiveness for his 
sins. 



"272 MEMOIR QjF THE 

" Monday, 9th. We rode to Philadelphia, and at 
night I found satisfaction in preaching to the people ; 
there was a little move upon the minds of some. 

"Tuesday, 10th. I visited several friends in the 
city, and at night I preached on 2 Kings vi. 16. We 
had another good meeting, A little before night, Mr, 
Asbury took me up stairs, and told me, that a good 
many of the friends wished me to stay in Philadel- 
phia, and if I chose to stay I might. 1 told him I did 
not wish to stay ; and had rather take a country cir- 
cuit ; but if he appointed me there, then I must stay. 
" Wednesday, 1 1th. We left Philadelphia, and rode 
up the river ; crossed into Burlington, in the state of 
New-Jersey. A Baptist minister had an appointment 
made for himself at the Baptist meeting-house ; he 
asked me to take his place. I accepted the invitation, 
and preached on Acts x. 35, 

" Saturday, 14th. 1 rode early; dined at Elizabeth- 
town, and then rode on through Newark, and crossed 
the North river at Powles-Hook, into the city of 
New-York. 

"Sunday, 15th. I preached at the North church 
in the afternoon, at 3 o'clock, and in the Bowery at 
six ; at night went to hear Joseph Pilmore, 

"Thursday, 19th. Our conference began in New- 
York at 9 o'clock in the morning* At night in the 
old church, I preached on Luke ix. 60. I spoke a 
good deal to the ministers, and endeavoured to stir 
them up, to continue in the work of the ministry. It 
was a weeping time amongst the preachers, and there 
was a solemn sense of the goodness of God resting 
upon many. Glory to God for his goodness to me, 
aad for his presence in the congregation* 



K£V. JESSE 1E£. 273 

^'Saturday, 21st. We sat in conference again, and 
the bishop put a few lines privately into my hand, 
which I here transcribe verbatim. 

11 Jesse Lee is appointed to act as an assistant to 
the bishops, at the yearly conferences, and to aid the 
book interest in every part of the continent where 
he goes. 
* 4 Dear brother, 

We wish to close the minutes in York, if we can} 
you must have some place therein ; will the above 
<lo ? York will be a blank at present ; if you choose 
to stay until you think it meet to go down south, you 
may ; and more, you may make your own appoint- 
ments south., and omit going eastward, or go if you 
choose to the east, or if you choose you may come to 
Kentucky. 

FRANCIS ASBURY, 
. RICHARD WHATCOAT." 

Saturday morning. 

" I then wrote them a few lines, and informed them 
that I did not feel altogether at liberty to take the 
appointment, or to travel at large, but if I had any 
choice, it was, after making a visit to the east, to 
take a single circuit. 

*• Saturda}', 28th. I left New-York state, and rode 
into Connecticut, to Joseph Hawkins', in Nodd. At 
2 o'clock, I preached on Luke xi. 28. I had a small 
congregation, and they were very tender ; and some 
of them wept heartily. I talked to several persons 
about their souls, after I was done preaching, and 
some of them were not so much engaged as they 
used to be when I was in these parts before ; they 
promised me with tears in their eyes that they wx>uld 



£74 MEMOIR OF THfE 

tr} r and be more engaged in future. I then rode to 
Samuel S. Smith's, and stayed all night with him ; he 
is a lawyer, and a preacher among the Methodists. 

" Tuesday, July 15th. I rode to Boston, but had no 
opportunity of preaching. The workmen were en- 
gaged in finishing off our meeting-house, and were to 
have it done in a little time. 

" Tuesday, 22d. I left Lynn after dinner, and set 
out on my eastern tour, having concluded, at Mr. 
Asbury's request, to visit the eastern states, and then 
turn up to Vermont state, to Canada, and so round 
to the city of New- York, and spend the winter in 
that city. I went on through Salem, and met R. 
Williston, in Beverly, and we rode to capt. Patche's, 
in Hamilton. The family were desirous of our 
preaching with them, but it was too late to get a 
congregation. 

"Tuesday, 29th. I sode through Dover, and so 
out of New-Hampshire, into the province of Maine. 
I had a long day's ride to deacon Clark's tavern, in 
Wells, where I stayed all night. In that place it 
was remarkably dry, and the crops were greatly 
injured by the drought ; every thing looked very 
gloomy. 

" Tuesday, August 5th. At Mr. Blake's, in Mon- 
mouth, at 11 o'clock, I preached on Matt. vi. 10. I 
had a precious time in preaching to a loving happy 
people, who wept and rejoiced together : my soul 
was sweetly lost in love and praise. The Methodists 
there were all on fire of love. Then at our meet- 
ing-house in Monmouth, at 4 o'clock, I preached on 
1 John ii. 28. 1 had a very large congregation, and 
a happy time. The people were deeply affected, 
<and the power of the Lord was in the midst of us, 1 



REV. JESSE LE-B. 275 

was greatly revived at seeing many of my old friends, 
and many of my own spiritual children, who were 
engaged in religion. 

" Wednesday, 6th. I rode to Kent's hill, in Read- 
field, and preached in our new meeting-house, to a 
large congregation of attentive hearers ; they were 
much engaged with the Lord. I found my soul happy 
in God, and was much assisted in preaching. The 
friends stopped after meeting, and I spoke largely to 
the society by way of advice, and directed them how 
to conduct themselves as Christians. I also stopped 
the local preachers and exhorters, and drew a plan 
for them to hold meetings on the Sabbath, so as not to 
be idle, or in each others way. I was closely engaged 
in the business till dark. I had a happy time amongst 
my old friends ; and found them much more alive to 
God than they w T ere when I left them. Our friends 
have built a good meeting-house in the place. I hope 
it will be a lasting blessing to the neighbourhood. 

u Monday, 18th. I swam my horse across Penob- 
scot river, and in Hampden meeting-house, at 3 
oVlock, I preached on Luke vii. 50. I had a com- 
fortable time in preaching to the people. As the 
meeting-house was not finished below stairs, I took 
the congregation into the gallery, and preached to 
them there. Then I took leave of my Penobscot 
friends, but not without painful sensations, as 1 thought 
it probable that I should never see them again. I 
then rode to brother Isaac Davis', on Jordan brook, 
and stayed all night with him. 

"Tuesday, 19th. I rode through to the Twenty- 
five mile Pond, about twenty miles. When 1 first 
travelled this road, about seven years ago, there was 
fio house on that road in all the distance, and now 



m& 



MEMOIR OF THE 



there are nearly twenty houses. I got to John Chaise's, 
at the Twenty -five mile Pond, about 3 o'clock, and at 
4 o'clock I preached. We had a happy time together ; 
saints and sinners felt the power of truth. 

" Saturday, September 6th. We set out early ia 
the morning, and rode out to Connecticut river, at 
Northumberland meeting-house ; there I left my tra- 
velling companion, and rode down the river, through 
Lancaster, Dolton, and into Littleton, where I w r as 
hailed and stopped by Josiah Newhall, an old acquaint- 
ance of mine, who had moved up into the country ; I 
consented to stay all night with him, and was thankful 
to find a house, though but a small log cabin, where I 
could lay my head in peace ; myself and horses were 
weary. I was greatly pleased with that part of the 
country. It was generally level, and rich land near 
the river, though most of the settlements were new. 
The mountains on both sides of the river, and the 
rising grounds at a distance, mnde a beautiful appear- 
ance. The country promises to be very fruitful, and 
I doubt not but religion will flourish in this country 
before long. Our preachers have lately formed a 
circuit there, called Landaff. I rode one hundred and 
forty-five miles, and preached six times that week. 

" Wednesday, 10th. I preached in Bradford. We 
had prayer meeting at night. There I saw old sister 
Pickett, who formerly lived in Mr. Wesley's family in 
London. She came to America, and settled where 
she now lives, in the state of Vermont. She was, for 
a great number of years, deprived of the privilege of 
hearing the Methodists preach, for we had no preacher 
in that part of the world ; yet the Lord spared her to 
see an answer to her many prayers, and the gospel is 
now preached in her neighbourhood, by the Metho- 



REV. JKSSE LEE, 277 

dists, and the Lord has done wonders by their ministry 
already. 

" Saturday, 20th. I rode very early in the morn- 
ing, and went through Fairfax to St. Alban's, where I 
dined. Then through Swantown, and crossed Missis- 
que river, and went through Highgate to St. Ormond's, 
or Dunn's Patent, in Lower Canada, and put up at 
Peter Miller's, who was very kind. There I met with 
Peter Vannest, one of the preachers of the circuit ; 
this was the first time I ever visited Lower Canada. I 
was charmed with the country ; it was very rich and 
level, and healthy withal. I was then at Missisque 
bay, on the north-east side of Lake Champlain. 
When I look back on my past travels, I am astonished 
at the goodness of God towards me, in preserving my 
health, and keeping me from departing from him. 

" Sunday, 21st. At the widow Hogle's, at 8 o'clock 
in the morning we held a love-feast, and the young con- 
verts, as well as some old disciples, spoke very feel- 
ingly and freely of their experiences. I was truly 
happy in God, and wept much amongst my brethren. 
Then at 10 o'clock, I preached on Gen. xix. 17. 
There was a great move amongst the people, and 
they wept in every part of the house. Then we 
administered the Lord's Supper, and our good God was 
pleased to meet us at his table, and we did set in 
heavenly places in Christ Jesus. At 1 o'clock I 
preached again, on Psa. i. 1. Some of the people 
were so overcome with the power of God that they 
fainted, or sunk down into the arms of their friends, or 
upon the floor. I then took leave of Canada, and my 
Canada brethren, and rode back to the state of Ver- 
mont, and down to Church's, in St. Albans ; and at 
night I preached on Titus ii. 12. 1 had a sweet 
25 



278 MEMOIR OF THE 

time in preaching to the strange people, and they 
were remarkably attentive, and heard as though it 
had been for their lives. Then brother Peter Van- 
nest exhorted with some life. We had a crowded 
house. I have seen no town in Vermont that appears 
to be so good for farmers as St. Alban's. I was glad to 
get to bed as soon as the people were dispersed, having 
rode 18 miles, preached three times, held a lovefeast, 
and administered the Lord's Supper ; and, withal, it 
was a wet day. Brother Peter Miller, after we left 
his house that day, came after us, fixed to travel with 
me for a week. I was thankful for his company. 

" Saturday, 27th. We rode "through Pawlet and 
Ruport, and then out of the state of Vermont into the 
state of New-York. I had been in Vermont eighteen 
days, including one day which I spent in Canada, and 
had preached twenty-three sermons. We then rode 
through Salem to Peter Swetezer's, where we stayed 
all night. On that plantation Philip Embury died, 
who was the first Methodist preacher who ever 
preached in New- York. He was an Irishman by 
birth, and a house joiner by trade. I heard that he 
died very happy in God." 

He then proceeded on, preaching in Cambridge 
Troy, New-Lebanon, and then into the state of Mas- 
sachusetts, and Connecticut ; and on the 14th of Octo- 
ber, arrived in the city of New-York ; on which day 
he has the following remarks : — " Here I will observ 
that it was twelve weeks to a day, from the time I 
left Lynn, near Boston, till I got to New-York ; in 
which time I rode twelve hundred and sixty-three 
computed miles, and had preached eighty-nine ser 
mons. In that tedious journey, the Lord favoured me 
both in body and soul." 



REV. JESSE LEE. 279 

I will here add one more extract from his journals 
for this year, which will close the chapter. 

" December, 31st. Here let me take a view of the 
past year. In the beginning of the 3 ear 1800, I was 
in Charleston, South Carolina ; and had a good time 
amongst my brethren in the ministry, during the sitting 
of conference. Then I went through the lower parts 
of South Carolina, and Georgia, to the south of Geor- 
gia, on to St. Mary's river. In that journey I had 
many difficulties, and much consolation in my own soul. 
In the beginning of February, I returned to Charles- 
ton, and after spending a few days there, I set out on 
the low lands by Georgetown, and so on to Wilming- 
ton, in North Carolina. In the beginning of March, I 
visited Newbern, and Washington, and then on through 
Roanoake circuit, and got into Virginia in the close of 
that month. I then visited my relations at Petersburg, 
and in the neighbourhood. Then I attended confe- 
rence in Virginia, where we had much union and 
brotherly love. From thence 1 travelled through the 
lower parts of Virginia, by old Jamestown, Williams- 
burg, York town, Gloucester, Urbana, and then by 
Dumfries, Colchester, and Alexandria, and so into 
Maryland, and attended conference at the Stone 
chapel, on the first of May. Then I attended the 
general conference in Baltimore. After this, crossed 
the Chesapeake Bay by Chestertown, head of Chester 
and Duck creek cross roads, and was at the confe- 
rence there in the beginning of June. Then I went 
by Wilmington, Philadelphia, Burlington, Brunswick, 
ElizRbethtown, Newark ; and crossed Hudson river 
to New-York, where we held our conference in the 
latter part of June. From thence I went by New- 
Bedford into New-England, by Heading, JNewtown, 



280 MEMOIR OF THE 

Southburry, Middletown, Hartford, Pomfret, Milford 
Watertown, Cambridge, Boston, to Lynn, where we 
held our conference in July. Then I went by Salem, 
Ipswich, Newburyport, Salisbury, Kingston, Poplin, 
Epping, Lee, Dover, Berwick, Portland, New- 
Gloucester, Poland, Readfield, Hallowell, New-Mil- 
ford, Bristol, Union, Belfast, up Penobscot to Orring- 
ton, back to the Twenty-five mile Pond, Fort Halifax., 
Norriguoor. Seven mile Brook, up Sandy river, 
Readstown, Farmington, Jay ; up Androscoggin river, 
by Bethel, north of the White hills to Upper Coos, on 
Kennebeck river, down to Landaff, Haverhill, into 
Vermont, by Newbury, Vershire, Onion river, into 
Canada ; then by St, Alban's, Onion river, Otter' 
creek, Rutland, Salem, Troy, Albany, New-Lebanon* 
Stockbridge, Canaan, Rhinebeck, Poughkeepsie, and 
so on to New-York, which finished the year." 

It ought to be observed that in all these places, he 
preached the gospel of the Son of God to all who 
were willing to hear. So that we may presume that 
much spiritual good must have resulted to the souls of 
the people ; and long will Jesse Lee be remembered 
by those who were profited by his ministry in these 
parts of the country. 



CHAPTER XVII. 



Progress of Methodism in New-York. — Leaves New-York to 
return to Virginia. — Remarks on Fredericksburg. — Attends 
Conference at Drumgoole's. — Appointed to the southern dis- 
trict. — 1302, Conference at Salem.-— 1803, Drumgoole's. — 
Remarks upon Camp Meetings. 

THE commencement of the year 1801, found him 
in New-York ; on which station he continued until 
the beginning of the following March, li will be but 
just here to remark, that his labours in New- York, 
were blessed in a considerable degree. With regard 
to the progress of Methodism in that city, he has given 
the following concise history. " I will here set down 
an account of the beginning of Methodism in the city 
of New- York, which was the first society formed in 
the United States. This society was formed by Philip 
Embury, from Ireland, in the beginning of the year 
1766, when a few of his own countrymen were joined 
together with him. He then exhorted and prayed 
with them, and spoke to them about the state of their 
souls. After a short time some of the inhabitants of 
New- York joined with them. They then hired a *ail 
loft, in which they met, and Mr. Embury used to 
preach, exhort, &c. Captain Webb, an officer in the 
British army, came amongst them, and was much 
engaged in religion, and preached frequently. After 
some time they purchased a lot of ground, in John- 
street, on which they built a church, in the year 
26* 



282 



MEMOIR OP THE 



1768 ; and on the 30th day of October, in the same 
year, the church was opened for divine worship ; and 
Mr. Embury preached the dedication sermon. It is 
now a little upwards of thirty-two years since our 
society had a house of worship in this place, and they 
have been increasing and multiplying ever since. 
We h^ve now five houses of public worship. The 
first church is commonly called Old Church, the 
second is called the Bowery, the third, North River ; 
the fourth is called the Two mile Stone, being two 
miles from the centre of the city. The fifth is the 
African Church, which was erected by the people of 
colour, for themselves to worship in ; yet they are to 
be governed by the Methodists in all their spiritual 
matters. But they themselves are to settle their tem- 
poral matters. This church was built in the latter 
part of the past year. Besides these houses, we have 
a charity school of thirty poor children supported by 
the society, and several dwelling houses belonging to 
the society. Three travelling preachers are stationed 
in the city, and are assisted by several local preachers. 
When we took the last account of the numbers in our 
society, we had six hundred and forty-five whites, and 
one hundred and thirty-one coloured persons.. — 
Hitherto the Lord has helped us." 

On the 3d of March he left the city ; and though 
he was much united to his friends in this place, he 
was extremely glad to be freed from the bustle and 
confinement of the city. Accustomed as he always 
had been to travelling, it was no small tax upon his 
feelings to confine himself within the narrow bounds 
of a city. In taking his departure, therefore, from 
New-York, the scenery of the country seemed to 
present him with new charms ; and he felt himself 



REV. JESSE LEE. 283 

extremely happy to breathe the pure air and converse 
with the variegated scenery of the surrounding land- 
scapes. 

Thursday, March 5th. We find the following 
notice in his journal. " I got to old Joseph Hutchin- 
son ? s before night. He gave an account of his mo- 
ther's death, who had been dead a few weeks only ; 
she lived in three centuries, and w r as one hundred 
and one years, nine months and seven days old when 
she died ; and her friends had counted up her off- 
spring as far as they could, and had made the number 
three hundred and seventy-five. The old lady had 
lived till she lost her sight, and afterward her sight 
was restored to her again ; and what was more extra- 
ordinary was this, she lived till her hair turned white 
and then came off, and her hair became dark again. 

" Tuesday, 24th. I rode early in the morning, and 
crossed Rappahannock river at Falmouth, and stopped 
at Fredericksburg. At night, in our new meeting- 
house, I preached on Rom. iv. 7. Blessed are they 
whose iniquities are forgiven > and whose sins are 
covered. I had a good time in preaching, and the 
power of the Lord was amongst us, I was glad of 
an opportunity to preach in that town. It has often 
been said of George vVhitefield, that when he passed 
through Fredericksburg that he shook off the dust 
of his feet as a witness against that wicked people : 
and I never heard of any persons being converted in 
the town from that time till lately ; and it is said, that 
there is not one person living in town now, that was 
living there when VVhitefield shook off the dust of his 
feet as a testimony against them. Some time past the 
Lord began to revive his work in the town, and now 
they have a society formed ; and within u few months 



284 MEMOIR OF THE 

they have built a small meeting-house, though it is 
not quite finished. I hope the Lord will visit, and 
bless the people. The preacher that tarries with 
them is much encouraged, and labours with great 
satisfaction." 

He then proceeded on to Petersburg, and was glad 
to find his friends all in health, except his brother, John 
Lee, who was still afflicted. He here received infor- 
mation of the death of the Rev. Devereaux Jarrat, 
a minister of the church of England, "who," says 
Mr. Lee, " was the greatest preacher, and the most 
pious person, that I was acquainted with, amongst 
that order of ministers." 

Thursday, April 9th. Conference began at Drum- 
goole's meeting-house. Here he was appointed tfr 
travel what was then called the south district of Vir- 
ginia. Though he was not exactly reconciled to the 
appointment at first, yet afterward he became re- 
signed, and entered cheerfully upon his work. His 
only reason for objecting to a district was, that he 
could enjoy more peace of mind in travelling a cir- 
cuit ; but he was willing to sacrifice his own opinion 
for the public good. During this itinerant year he 
attended twenty- five quarterly meetings, was present 
at twenty-seven love-feasts, and preached two hun- 
dred and ninety-four sermons.* 

It was during this year, in the month of November, 
that he received the sorrowful tidings of his brother's 
death. He died on the Yadkin river, in Surry county, 
North-Carolina, on the sixth day of October, 180 J. 

* I have since heard it remarked, much to his praise, by many 
who recollect his labours with pleasure in that district, that he made 
it a point to preach at every regular preaching place in the bounds 
of his district, at least once a year. 



REV. JESSE LEE. 285 

Should any wish to know the circumstances of his 
end, let him read the following : — 

" He had been travelling, for the advantage of his 
health, for near six months, from the time he left home 
last, and had been over the mountains to the Sweet 
springs, and southerly to the Yadkin river, and from 
thence he expected to return home in a short time ; 
but while he was travelling the road, he spoke to the 
man who travelled with him, and observed, that he 
felt a difficulty in breathing, and believed he was near 
his end. His man tried to divert his mind a little, 
but he told him it was no trifling matter, for an ulcer 
was formed on his lungs, and he expected it would 
break on the outside of his lungs, and if it did, he 
should die in a few hours. After a little time, he said 
the ulcer was broke, and in the way he expected. 
He drove on to a house, and requested admission, 
which was granted. He then went out to his man, 
who was taking care of the horses, and told him, he 
should die in a few hours ; and gave him some of his 
papers, with directions concerning his burial. He 
then went into the house, and asked the woman if 
any of them could sing ? she replied, she made but 
a poor hand at singing. He asked, if any of them 
prayed in public ? but received no answer. He then 
said, " 1 must pray," and kneeling down he prayed, 
and repeated it again and again ; and continued on 
his knees as though he wished to die in that posture ; 
but his man went to him, took him up, and laid him 
on the bed. He told him to tell his friends not to 
weep for him, for he was sure of going to heaven. 
At last he died without either sigh or groan. He did 
not live four hours after he got out of his chair. All 
the wheels of life stood still at once 



%86 MEMOIR OF THE 

The last day of the year he makes the following 
summary remarks, after preaching at BInnt's meet- 
ing-house, in Isle of Wight. " Here I finished the 
year 1801. In the beginning of the year I was in 
the city of New-York, where I continued until the 
beginning of March. I then came to Virginia, with 
a full intention not to travel a district as a presiding 
elder, but to take a circuit ; but at the conference I 
was over persuaded to take charge of a district, and 
at last consented. Thus far I have endeavoured to 
fill my station faithfully, and have been greatly com- 
forted amongst the preachers and people. However 
I have seen but little stir of religion in a general way; 
yet several souls have been converted to God ; yea, 
several dozens of them in the district ; and there is a 
little prospect in several places now. I think I have 
had but one day's sickness in the whole year. I bless 
God that I do love him, and I love his people ; and it 
is the determination of my soul to serve my God all 
the days of my life. Whether I live or die, I dedi- 
cate my soul and body to the Lord, to be wholly his 
without reserve, for ever and for evermore. Even 
so, amen, come Lord Jesus." 

In the beginning of the year 1802, he was conside- 
rably afflicted in Portsmouth, and was confined for the 
space of two weeks ; in which time he endured much 
pain, which was occasioned by a s'evere attack of the 
gravel. He observed that he lost, during his illness, 
twenty pounds of his weight. 

March 1st, he attended conference at Salem, and on 
the 4th, they finished their business. " The preachers 
(says he) took their stations without murmuring, and 
appeared to be well pleased generally. At the con- 
ference we took four men on trial, and four preachers 



REV. JESSE LEE. 287 

located. We had not a full supply of preachers, and 
therefore, several of the circuits could have but one. 
I continued in the same district by appointment. I 
felt sorry at parting with the preachers." During 
this conference there were some awful displays of 
divine power, and nearly a score professed to obtaia 
pardon for their sins. 

This year indeed, seemed more remarkable for the 
progress of religion than the year preceding. At a 
quarterly meeting in June, at Mabry's chapel, on 
Sabb ith there was a great outpouring of the Spirit, 
" The place (observed Mr. Lee) was awful indeed. 
After a while one proclaimed aloud that God had con- 
verted her soul. Another spoke out aloud and said, 
God had reached a young man's heart. One of the 
preachers called to one of the sisters saying, 'sister, 
your daughter has promised that she would set out for 
heaven.' Thus they continued for a considerable 
time." 

Also, at a quarterly meeting at Jones' chapel, in 
Sussex, in the month of July, Sabbath was a high 
day indeed, as the following extract will show. " The 
meeting continued till sun sitting, in which time, it was 
said, sixteen souls were converted, including one or 
two who was converted the day before. The work 
was also among the blacks. About the going down of 
the sun, a young lad got converted, which was the 
last, there being but few people left in the meeting- 
house. One of the preachers shouted aloud, and 
praised God that the Christians had taken the field, 
and kept the ground, for there was not a sinner left. 
Another preacher asked some of them to look out of 
doors, and see if they could not find one more sinner, 
for he thought if they could find another, that he 



%8Q MEMOIR OP THE 

would get converted. But there was not another 
unconverted sinner to be found at the meeting-house. 
So they praised God together, and returned home. 
Most of those who were converted, were children of 
Methodist parents, though some of their parents had 
been dead for many years. This was the best quar- 
terly meeting 1 have had since I have been on the 
district. 5 ' 

The following year, 1803, he attended the confe- 
rence at Drumgoole's, which was held in March. His 
appointment for this year continued as in the preced- 
ing. The year past had certainly been favourable to 
the cause of pure religion, for it was ascertained that 
one thousand members had been added within the 
bounds of the Virginia conference. 

This year was remarkable for the introduction of 
camp meetings, as they have been not improperly 
called. These meetings did not originate with the 
Methodists, nor with any human design, but merely 
from the circumstance of so many assembling at some 
sacramental occasions, among the Presbyterians, that 
no house was sufficiently large to contain them. It 
does not comport with the limits of this memoir to 
enter into a detailed account of the origin and pro- 
gress of these extraordinary meetings. That they 
have been made a blessing to thousands, I have no 
doubt. And though much has been said against them, 
yet the opposition has generally proceeded from a 
quarter which, instead of lessening our confidence in 
their utility, only serves to increase our belief in their 
being, in the order of Divine Providence, established 
for the benefit of immortal souls. That they have a 
natural tendency to inspire a spirit of devotion, espe- 
cially in the minds of Christians, is evident to all who 



REV. JESSE LEfi. 289 

have attended them with any degree of impartiality ; 
and the accidental evils which have accompanied 
them, ought nor to be attributed to the meetings them- 
selves, but to the native wickedness of the human 
heart, which, pervading many individuals now col- 
lected together, appears in a concentrated force : the 
disorder originates from the disorderly spectators, and 
not from the orderly worshippers who assemble for 
the sole purpose of spiritual benefit. 

These remarks are made as introductory to Mr. 
Lee's account of the first camp meeting which he 
attended, and which shall be given in his own words :— 

" I will here observe that we had, in my judgment, 
ahout 2500 or 3C00 hearers on Sabbath, and as many 
white people on Monday, but not so many blacks. 
We had many sermons preached at the camp-meeting, 
for, at different times, we had preaching at both stands, 
at the same time. I have only taken an account of 
what I saw and heard. We had twenty-nine Metho- 
dist preachers. According to the best account I could 
get, there were about thirty-five souls converted at the 
camp-meeting ; most of them were white people. 
Many had objections to the meeting before it came on ; 
but those who attended it, were generally pleased, and 
very desirous of having another. I have seen no 
meeting in this part of the world for years, that was so 
pleasing and profitable to me." 

In August he attended another, held at Ellis 5 meeting.- 
house, in Greensville, Virginia, which exceeded the 
former, both as it respected the number which 
8 ttended, and the number converted. Every discourse, 
and every exhortation given during the meeting, was 
attended by the displays of divine power. Almost 
every hour and every minute, was employed in the 

26 



290' 



MEMOIR OF THE 



worship of God. A little time was spent in eating, 
drinking, or sleeping, but each endeavoured to 
improve his time to the best advantage ; and seemed 
satisfied only with the hidden manna of God's love, 
and the living streams of his grace. More than a 
hundred living witnesses for Jesus, were raised up at 
this meeting. 

But the work of reformation did not entirely 
depend upon the success of camp-meetings, for at 
various meetings, which he attended in the course of 
the year, the power of God was manifested in the 
awakening, conviction and conversion of many souls. 

In the year 1804, he was, from the conference 
held at Salem, appointed to travel Williamsburg cir- 
cuit. In the month of May, he attended the general 
conference held in Baltimore. Having returned to 
his circuit in June, he commenced his appointments 
at Williamsburg. " After preaching and meeting the 
class, (says he,) I went with a few friends to the hos- 
pital for lunatics ; at which place twenty-nine per- 
sons were confined. I saw most of them. Some 
were in the yard prepared for that purpose ; the 
men in one yard and the women in another. At the 
opposite end of the house, some were in their rooms, 
and some in close confinement in their cells, I was 
much pleased to find every thing so neat and cleanly 
in their apartments. None of those which I saw, 
were any way violent, or outrageous ; some walked 
about in pensive dejection, and others were cheerful 
and merry ; but at times, would show marks of insan- 
ity. I saw one woman who was sitting reading her 
Bible, in the German language, and when I spoke to 
her a few sentences in German, she appeared pleased, 
and began to converse freely, and sensibly. While I 



REV. JESSE LEE. 291 

stayed I saw no mark of melancholy in her, yet I 
understood she had frequent tits of insanity." 

He continued on his circuit until the latter part of 
July, at which time he visited his father; then attended 
a camp-meeting at White oak ; and from thence he 
went to the Sweet springs, for the benefit of his 
health; and, as is probable, with a view to avoid the 
autumnal sickness which generally prevails at that 
season of the year, in the circuit on which he was 
appointed to travel. In October he returned, and as 
Daniel Hall was too unwell to attend his appointments 
on the district, Mr. Lee agreed to take his place for a 
few weeks. This year and part of the following, he 
was engaged in writing the memoirs of his brother, 
John Lee, who, as observed in a former part of this 
chapter, departed this life 1801. This, together with 
some other matters which engaged his attention, pre- 
vented his travelling and labouring as regularly as he 
had done in former years. 

In 1805 he attended the Virginia conference, at 
Edmund Taylor's, in Granville, N. C. At this con- 
ference it was ascertained, that Methodism had made 
considerable progress since the preceding conference. 
An acquisition of nineteen hundred had been made 
to the church, in the space of one year, within the 
bounds of the Virginia conference ; and fourteen can- 
didates for the ministry were received. Mr. Lee was 
appointed to travel Mecklenburg circuit. He how- 
ever was not able to get to his circuit until the 9th 
of November following, in consequence of his having 
to make a visit to Baltimore and Philadelphia, for the 
purpose of publishing the Life of his brother, John Lee. 

The following year, 1806, was an important year, 
both to the subject of this memoir, as well as to the 



292 MEMOIR OF THE 

church to which he belonged. A few extracts irona 
his journal shall be given. 

"Friday, February 14th. Our annual conference 
began in Norfolk. At 9 o'clock we commenced 
business, and gat till 11. Then Bishop Whatcoat 
preached on Rev. xxii. 17. He gave us a good dis- 
course, and with some animation. We met for busi- 
ness again at 3 o'clock. 

"Saturday, 15th. At 11 o'clock P. Bruce preached 
on 1 Cor. i. 18. He gave us a good discourse, and with 
much animation. From that time the work of the 
Lord began to spread, and seven or eight souls were 
converted before the meeting broke up. Thank God 
for his unspeakable blessings towards us. At night 
J. C. preached on Acts xiv. 22. He gave us an ex- 
cellent sermon, and with much power, and the word 
had great weight with the people ; the heavenly fire 
spread through the congregation, and there was a 
great cry for mercy amongst poor sinners. 

"Wednesday, 19th. At night I went over to 
Portsmouth, and preached on Amos ii. 7. By whom 
shall Jacob arise ? for he is small. I had a crowded 
house, and a solemn assembly. It was a time of 
comfort in the assembly, and many were deeply 
affected towards the close. The Lord has wrought 
Wonders in Portsmouth within a few days. I sup- 
pose not less than fifty souls have been converted in 
this place. 

" Thursday, 20th. We sat in conference again, 
and continued until 1 o'clock, when we finished our 
business, and received our stations, and concluded 
our conference. The preachers were generally well 
satisfied with their appointments. We had added to 
the number of Ike society in the course of the year, 



REV. JESSE LEE. 



293 



and in the bounds of the Virginia conference, two 
thousand four hundred and twenty-four members. 
No preacher had died, withdrawn, or been expelled, 
and so many young preachers came up to the help of 
the Lord amongst us, that the circuits were better 
supplied than they had been for many years before. 
I suppose, that in Norfolk and Portsmouth we had as 
many as eighty souls, or upwards, converted during 
the sitting of conference ; but the greater number 
was in Portsmouth. 

" Sunday, March 9th. I took Amelia circuit, where 
I was appointed by the bishop. I had a good meet- 
ing with the people, both in preaching and in class. 
I felt thankful for the comfort which I enjoyed in my 
own soul. I rode up to Jordan Reese's, and stayed 
all night. 

Wednesday, 12th, was my birth day. I was then 
forty-eight years old. I have found in the coarse of 
the past year, that my head has turned gray, and that 
my sight begins to fail me, so that I cannot read small 
print without pretty good light. As I advance in 
years, I hope to advance in grace. 1 preached at 
Deep Creek, and the people were refreshed w T ith the 
Divine presence. I lodged with John Morgan. 

" Saturday, 21st. At Franklin's I preached on Psalm 
lxvi. 16. I had a happy little meeting. The man of 
the house is an object of pity, but is a happy Chris- 
tian. He told me, that it had been twenty-one years 
since he was on his feet. He is perfectly stiff from 
his head to his feet. He can move his toes, has a 
tolerable good use of one arm, and can use the other 
a little, but cannot raise it to his head. He has the 
us-* of his tongue, mouth, eyes, and ears, but he can- 
not move his head upwards, or downwards, or side- 

26 * 



^94 MEMOIR OF THE 

ways. He lies on bis back continually ; has no power 
to change his posture, or to rest a weary limb. How- 
ever he has a hickory withe supended over his bed, 
and by taking hold of it with one of his hands, and 
pulling, he can rest himself a little. He reads, sings, 
talks, and shouts the praise of God with great solem- 
nity. He supposes he was brought to that situation 
by the rheumatism. I rode to brother H. Fether- 
stone's, and stayed all night. 

" Tuesday, April 1st. At May's meeting-house, I 
preached on Job xv. 4. I had a sweet time in speak- 
ing to a tender people ; and we were all pretty lively 
in class-meeting; some of the friends praised God 
aloud, and with many tears. Glory be to God for 
the meeting ! We had rain in the afternoon. I sup- 
pose the oldest men amongst us can scarcely remem- 
ber ever to have known a winter so warm and dry, 
as what the last has been. March has been very 
dry, and very cold. 

" Friday, May 9th. We began our camp-meeting 
at a meeting-house called the Olive Branch, in Bruns- 
wick county. At 12 o'clock D. Hall preached in the 
meeting-house. He gave us a lively discourse, and 
the people felt the power of truth. Then Lewis 
Taylor exhorted ; and after a while a shout began, 
and one person I understood was converted. We 
had preaching at 4 o'clock, and at night. 

" This meeting continued until the Monday follow- 
ing. The number of converts was considerable ; but 
one circumstance contributed not a little to interrupt 
the harmony of the meeting, and retard the progress 
of the work, which was the wild enthusiasm displayed 
by a certain female, not a member of our church. 
Her exercises were such as to attract the attention of 






REV. JESSE LEE. 295 

all present, and were of a character novel enough to 
be sure ; for she exhibited at some times the jerking 
exercise, at other times the dancing exercise, and not 
unfrequently the basking exercise ; and taking them 
all together, made as ridiculous a set of exercises as 
ever attracted the gaze of the multitude." Mr. Lee 
was opposed to all such extravagances, and there- 
fore endeavoured to arrest the progress of the evil, 
but by so doing he doubtless gave offence to some, 
whose weak judgments caused them to justify every 
kind of religious extravagance. While piety prompts 
us to commiserate the case of those whose weakness 
exposes them to the impositions of a distempered ima- 
gination, and charity leads us to draw a veil over the 
infirmities of those who appear, in some of their reli- 
gious exercises, to transcend the bounds of modesty 
and decorum, we are not prepared to anathematize 
every thing which may appear disorderly in the esti- 
mation of the cold philosophizing Christian. The 
warmth of devotion can only be duly appreciated by 
those who are under its sacred influence. Where 
wisdom and sincerity predominate, they will keep 
every disorderly passion in subordination to their con- 
trol, and give a brilliancy and heavenly joy even to 
its outward expression, which the hollow hearted 
hypocrite cannot easily counterfeit. 

The following account, taken from Mr. Lee's jour- 
nal, for the same year, may be classed among those 
extraordinary cases which baffle human calculations, 
and indicate a supernatural influence. It took place 
at a camp-meeting at Hobo's meeting-house in Bruns- 
wick circuit, which began October the 10th. 

" The case of a young woman, N. W. being very 
singular, I will here set down some account of it. At 



%96 MEMOIR OF THE 

this meeting on Sunday night, she fell down, and lay 
helpless ; they took her into a tent, and set up with 
her all night ; she continued helpless and speechless, 
all the time. Next morning I had a tea spoon full 
of water given her. About 9 o'clock in the fore- 
noon she revived, and said, Love, love, love ! 
Glory, glory, glory! and then died away again, and 
appeared like a person in a sweet sleep. In 
the afternoon she was taken home in a wagon, but 
remained as she had been before. Her parents, 
fearing that there might be some bodily complaint 
attending her, sent for a physician, who came, and 
then sent for another. The physicians both agreed, 
that they could not perceive that she had any bodily 
complaint, believing it to be a supernatural power. 
They did not attempt to do much for her, only took 
a little blood, gave a few reviving drops, and put a 
small blister on the back part of her neck, but took it 
off in a little time. One of the physicians continued 
with her until the following Sunday, but saw very 
little alteration. She continued thus until Tuesday 
night, at which time she revived, and spoke freely 
and sensibly, though apparently in a weak and feeble 
state. The next day she went about the house, and 
out of doors, just as she pleased, and was quite well 
and happy in God. She had been in that state from 
Sunday night, until the next Tuesday night week, 
which was nine days and nights. I understood that 
during that time she ate nothing except such things 
as were poured into her mouth, and she took but 
very little of that. She was, for the most part of the 
time, sensible of every thing that was said or done 
to her in her presence. For some days before she 
revived, she knew all her friends that came to see 



REV. JESSE LHfe. 297 

her, and would answer any question by a nod or 
shake of the head, and in some cases would hold out 
her hand to a friend ; when spoken to about the state 
of her soul, and asked if she was happy, she would 
move her head by way of assent, and raise her eyes, 
and the tears would flow down her cheeks, which 
satisfied her friends that she was converted. After she 
regained her strength, she said, that the Lord blessed 
and converted her soul, on the Monday after she was 
struck down, at which time she spoke, and shout- 
ed, love! love! love! glory! glory! glory! 1 saw 
her soon after she recovered from this ecstasy, and 
took her into society, and had no doubt but she was 
truly happy in God. Many people who visited her 
in her helpless condition, were deeply affected, and 
some of them were brought to think more seriously 
about their souls. Such a strange circumstance I do 
not remember to have known or read of before, and 
yet there was nothing like a trance, or any particular 
discovery of the other world professed by her." 

He continued on his circuit until January, 1807, 
and in February he attended the Virginia conference, 
in Newbern, North Carolina, from which he was per- 
mitted to make a visit to the south, as far as Georgia* 
See the following extracts. 

"Tuesday, February 10th. I took leave of my 
friends and the preachers, and set out in company with 
D. Hall, he for South-Carolina, and I for Georgia. 
We rode that day to Thomas Lee's, a little south of 
Trent river, and stayed all night at his house. 

rt Thursday, March 5th. We set off down Cooper 
river, crossed one of its branches, at a small ferry, 
and then crossed the main river at Clemon's ferry, 
where it is about two miles wide ; and from thence 



298 MEMOIR OF THE 

we came to Charleston at dark, and lodged at the 
parsonage by the new church. 

u Sunday, 8th, was a wet day ; but I preached 
three times, in the forenoon in the new meeting- 
house, in the afternoon and night in the church in 
Cumberland-street. 

"Tuesday, llth. We left town, and travelled a 
most shocking road, on account of mud and mire, to 
Dorchester, and then put up at Abraham Riddle- 
sperger's ; and at night in his house I preached on 
John v. 25. I found but little liberty in speaking to 
them. However I sowed in hope, and leave the 
event to God. 

"Thursday, 19th. I took leave of brother Hall, 
after having been in company with him nearly three 
months. I felt some sorrow at parting with him ; 
however, necessity required it, I crossed Congaree 
river, at Columbia ferry, and rode on to John Car- 
gill's, where I tarried all night. 

V Saturday, 21st. I rode early, and crossed Savan- 
nah river into Augusta, in Georgia, some time before 
night, and put up at Asaph Waterman's. " The next 
day he preached three times in Augusta. 

"Monday, April 13th. I rode down to Savannah, 
and put up at John Miller's ; and there I met with 
Samuel Dunwody, one of our preachers, who has 
lately come to this place, having been lately appoint- 
ed to labour here for the present year. 

"Sunday, 1 9th. I rode out to the White Bluff 
meeting-house, about seven miles from Savannah, and 
at 1 1 o'clock I preached on Acts xvii. 27. I had a 
good degree of liberty in speaking to a strange peo- 
ple, and they heard with great attention. Some were 
moved upon and tendered by the word. I then re- 



REV. JESSE LEE. 299 

turned to town, and after dinner I went to hear the 
Presbyterian minister, Mr. Henry Kollock. His text 
was 1 John v. 4. He gave us a beautiful discourse, 
and with much life. His sermon was written, but 
it was well read, was sensible, and calculated to do 
good. 

" At night, at Mr. Myer's, I preached on 1 Pet. ii. 5. 
I had a crowded house, and more attended than could 
get in, many were forced to remain out of doors. I 
preached to them with some freedom, and they fed 
on the word with much apparent pleasure. All were 
solemn, and some were affected. It was a good time 
to many souls. After I dismissed the congregation I 
desired that all that had been Methodists in other 
places, and wished again to be in society with us, to 
remain, and we would form a class. I took four of 
them into a class. There were others present, but 
I told them, that I did not desire any person to join 
at that time but such as had been formerly in society 
with us ; and if any others wished to join, they might 
have an opportunity after a few meetings. This was 
the first class that was ever formed in Savannah. 
Who knows but the Lord will multiply his blessings 
upon us, and make us a great people in this place, as 
well as in other places ? At present there is a good 
stir of religion in this town ; other churches have an 
increase of members. 

" Saturday, 25th. I rode in company with a couple 
of men to Whitefield's orphan house, and was sur- 
prised to find how it was changed for the worse since 
I was there seven years ago ; one wing has been 
burned down, an old dwelling house entirely gone ; 
there was only one wing left of all the buildings ; that 
had been repaired and had several good rooms and a 



300 MEMOIR OF THE 






piazza before it, into which a door opened from 
every room in the house. At present there is no 
school kept on, or supported by the property belonging 
to this institution. I felt sorry to see how all the 
improvements had been demolished ; and to think how 
many thousands of dollars had been wasted on the 
institution ; but what else could we have expected 
when the property was left by Whitefield to L \y 
Huntington, a woman who ought never to have tad 
the government of the institution. The lady's like- 
ness at full length, was remaining in the house ; that 
I believe was the only thing like furniture or orna- 
ment which remained, and even that was in a shattered 
condition. 

"Monday, 27th. 1 left Savannah and set out for 
St. Mary's, not knowing what difficulties I had to pass 
through. I crossed Ogechee river at the lower ferry, 
about fifteen miles from the city, and then rode to 
Joseph Clay's and stayed all night with him. He was 
educated at college, and for some years he was a law- 
yer ; but when he obtained religion he joined the 
Baptists, and is now a preacher ; and is much esteemed 
by most of his religious acquaintances. 

" Wednesday, 29th. I rode early in the morning, 
and had a most desperate road to travel, for a chair ; 
mud, mire, and water to go through, and logs, roots, and 
stalks of the saw pimento to go over ; all which made 
it desperate for most part of the way. I came to 
Obey's ferry, on Altamahaw river, and there I had to 
pay three dollars for ferriage. The ferry, including 
the island we had to cross, was about two miles wide. 
In going through the island, the men^ad to wade some 
small lakes, which were more than waist deep, 
mi the water ran. up in the foot of my carriage. 



« 



ttfcV. JESSE LEE. 301 

honrever, we got over safe a little before night. I 
stopped at Ezekiel Cockburn's, and stayed all night. 

v< Thursday, 30th. I had a lonesome, disagreeable 
road to travel for many miles, until I came into 
the old Barrington road, which was some better. I 
dined at Wm. demon's, and then rode about 16 miles 
to Mr. Nicks ? , just south of Little Satilla river, and 
put up there all night. I had rode near thirty miles 
that day, and then had to shut my horse up in a hen- 
house all night, without a mouthful of any thing to 
give him to eat. I was sorry for my poor brute, but 
could not help it. 

fct Friday, May 1st. I made an early start, and 
when I found a good place of grass, I stopped and let 
my horse graze a while ; this I did several times, until 
I found a house where I obtained a good feed for him. 
1 came to brother Brown's, on Satilla river, about the 
middle of the day, and was greatly pleased to be at 
the house of a Methodist once more. In the evening, 
1 was agreeably surprised by a visit from Abraham Bes- 
sent, of Jefferson tow r n, with whom 1 w r as once 
acquainted in North Carolina ; he was then a local 
preacher, and continues in the same station amongst 
the Methodists. 

" Saturday, 2d. 1 crossed Satilla to Jefferson, took 
breakfast, and then rode to ihe town of St. Mary'g ; 
arrived there a little before night, and William Mickel 
entertained me. That night two men came to see me, 
and invited me to their houses, which invitation 1 con- 
sidered a favour, 

" Sunday, 3d. I preached three sermons in the 

town of St. Mary's. There appears to be a great 

alteration for the better amongst the people of this 

place. When 1 was here a little more than seven 

27 



802 MEMOIR OF THE 

years ago, they appeared to be more wild and careless 
about religion than they are at present ; but many of 
the former inhabitants are either dead, or removed. 
The soldiers that were then stationed near this town* 
are gone, and many new settlers have come in; yet 
there are but few in this town that enjoy religion. Our 
preachers continue to preach here when they come 
around. 

" Monday, 4th. I rode to Jefferson, twenty-three 
miles, and put up at brother A. Bessent's, where I was 
both pleased and comforted. The town of Jefferson 
contains about twelve or fifteen families. The court- 
house, for Campden is there. 

" Wednesday, 6th. I preached in Jefferson court- 
house. I had a good congregation. It was a solemn, 
and a happy time ; several persons were bathed in 
tears. Brother Anguis M'Donold exhorted with life 
and freedom. 

"Thursday, 7th. At Richard Long's, at Colerain, 
I preached on John iii. 36. He that believetk onthe 
Son, &c. I had but a small congregation, but there 
were as many as I expected, for that part of the 
country, Mr. Long lives in the old fort, formerly 
built to keep off the Indians. While we were there 
on the bank of the river, we got a man to take us 
over St. Mary's river into Florida,* which belongs to 
the king of Spain. When I got across the river. I 
went alone amongst the bushes, and fell on my knees 
before the Lord, and besought him in earnest prayer, 
to open the way whereby the gospel might be quickly 
preached in that part of the world. We returned to 

* Since ceded to the United States, 1821, His prayers have bee^n 
marveloubly answered. 



REV. JESSE LEE. 303 

brother Crawford's that night, and tarried with him 
3gain. 

" Monday, 18th. I rode and crossed Ogechee 
river, and came to Savannah about 3 o'clock, and wa>: 
very much fatigued with the journey, the day being 
very warm. The next day I tarried in town, and ai 
night, in brother Dunwody's school room, I preached 
on Luke xi. 4. I had more hearers than the room 
^euld contain. It was a solemn and a quickening time. 
The people were more affected than what they have 
generally been, under my preaching in that place. I 
felt uncommonly for souls ; I did not know when to give 
over speaking. Lord give success to thine own w r ord. 

" Wednesday, 20th. I was closely engaged in 
writing in my journal most of the day, but at 5 o'clock 
in the afternoon, I went to hear Mr. Kollock, the 
Presbyterian minister. His text was Psa. xxx. 5. 
In his favour is life. He gave us a good discourse, 
with animation, and it was calculated to do good, with 
the exception of a few sentences which savoured of 
Calvinism. 

"Monday, June 1st. I left the city of Savannah 
and rode about fourteen miles to Robert Stafford's, 
and preached with some freedom to a strange people. 
I then crossed Ogechee river at Bird's bridge, and 
went to William Rodes', and preached at night. . It 
was a profitable time. 

" Monday, 29th, I crossed Oconee river at Mount 
Pelier, and went to Salem, where I expected to have 
held meeting, but the people had not been notified of 
my coming ; so that only three persons attended. I 
prayed with them, and rode up to Sterling Bass', and 
stayed all night. I spent about ten days in Baldwin 
county, and I do sincerely think that it is the best 



3.04- MEMOIR OF THE 

newly settled country I ever saw in any part of the: 
United States. The land is good ; the water is good ; 
and the people are the most civil and religious that 1 
ever knew for such a newly settled place. 

" Tuesday, 28th of July. Our camp-meeting began 
in Hancock county, about three miles south ot 
Sparta. It began on Tuesday and ended on Saturday, 
in which time I suppose we had as many as eighty 
souls converted. We had thirty -seven Methodist; 
preachers. One hundred and seventy-six tents were 
pitched on the ground. I suppose we had three 
thousand people who lodged within the encampment, 
I think our largest congregation amounted to about 
four thousand five hundred hearers. We had four 
teen sermons preached at the stage, and nine exhorta- 
tions given at the close of the sermons. The ground 
was laid out in a tolerably convenient place, contain- 
ing four or five acres of land. The place was wet- 
furnished with water. 

"Thursday, October 29th. We rode to Wilkin* 
Jackson's, and I preached on Job xxi. 15. I had a 
house crowded with attentive hearers, and I found 
my soul much quickened by the meeting. Moses 
Matthews exhorted with life and freedom. We had 
more hearers than usual, in our new tour. We then 
rode down to Lewis Saunders'. This day we finished 
our new tour, which we had taken for ten days. We 
were the first preachers that ever went into that ne^ 
country to preach the gospel. The people where 
we went had settled there only the winter before, 
and cleared land, and made a crop, without knowing 
whose land they should be on. And since the land 
is drawn for, they are mostly preparing to move else- 
where, The land for the most part is excellent m 



REV. JESSE LEE. 305 

deed, and the country must become very wealthy ; and 
I doubt not but it will be famous for religion ; though 
it was in possession of the Indians but two or three 
years ago. The wilderness shall blossom as the rose. 

"Saturday, November 21st. I rode to Milledge- 
ville, the metropolis of the state of Georgia. I put 
up at brother Darrol's, and visited some of the sick 
people ; for it was unusually sickly in the town, and 
several were at the point of death, and one of the 
members of the general assembly died that afternoon. 

"Sunday, 22d. I was to have preached in the 
state-house at 12 o'clock, but the committee, ap- 
pointed for Mr. Drane, who died the day before, 
requested me to attend his funeral. I put off preach- 
ing until the afternoon. At 3 o'clock I preached in 
the state-house. I had a good time in speaking. I 
felt concerned for the salvation of my hearers. After 
meeting I rode out of town to Robert Winn's. 

"Monday, 23d. I was sent for to return to Mil- 
ledgeville, to see William Stith, judge of the superior 
court in the middle district of Georgia. I returned, 
and found him worse than what he was the day be- 
fore. I tarried with him until the middle of the day. 
and then attended the funeral of a woman, whom I 
visited the day before. I then returned to attend 
the judge ; I talked with him about his prospect of 
heaven, and by his answers I had great hope of hfs 
future happiness ; he was a Methodist. He failed 
fast just before night, and then revived a little. I 
talked with him again, and encouraged him to venture 
on the Lord, nothing doubting, and while holding him 
J>y the hand, I sung 

Happy soul, thy days are ended, 
All thy mourning; days below, &c* 
27 * 



306 



MEMOIR OF THE 



He kept his senses perfectly to the last. Several 
members of the general assembly came in, just as he 
began to breathe hard and quick. I asked a friend 
to watch him while we prayed, and we all knelt 
down, and prayed earnestly, that the Lord would give 
him an easy death, and take him to heaven : when we 
rose up, one that sat by him said, 'he is gone.' He- 
died very easy, and I believe in the favour of God. 
He left the world at five minutes after 8 o'clock,, and 
left a mournful widow, but no children. 

" Tuesday, 24th. At 2 o'clock, at Dr. T. Bird's, 
I preached the funeral sermon of Judge Stith, from 
Psa. xxxiv. 19. Most of the members of the general 
assembly attended. It was a very solemn time, i 
then left town, and crossed the Oconee river, and on 
to Peter Pryde's, and stayed all night. 

"Monday, December 14th. I left Augusta, and the 
state of Georgia, early in the morning, and crossed 
Savannah river into South-Carolina, and rode to John 
Spunn's, about thirty-five miles. I felt some sorrow 
at leaving Georgia, for I was more pleased with the 
country and the people than I had ever been before. 

<; Wednesday, 16th. I rose early, and took break- 
fast by candle light, and started by the break of day, 
and had a tight ride of forty-four miles to Columbia, 
It was night before I arrived. I put up at brother 
Harrison's, and was weary and fatigued with my 
journe}\ The next day I rode out to Col. Hutchin- 
son's, about four miles, and spent the day and night 
with him. The colonel has lately embraced religion, 
and joined the Methodists. I was agreeably enter- 
tamed at his ho^e. 

"Friday, 18th. I returned to Columbia, and at 
night I preached on Isai. lv. 7. I hope the meeting 



REV. JESSE LEE. 307 

uot iu vain. I lodged at Major Clifton's that 
night. He is a lawyer, and has lately embraced re- 
ligion, and joined the Methodists. The legislature 
were sitting at that time in Columbia, and a little be- 
fore night I went to hear them. I think of all the 
general assemblies that I have seen in the different 
states, this exceeded all for a grand appearance and 
a showy dress. The speaker of each house had on a 

tnd robe of silk, adorned with ermine. 

" Tuesday, 22d. I set out for Charleston in com- 
pany with brother D. Hall, M. P. Sturdevant, and on 
Friday, 25th, which was Christmas day, we reached 
the city. 

" Monday, 28th. Our conference began in Charles 
ion." 

In Charleston, S. C. he finished the year 1807. 
His labours during the year were bestowed freely, 
and freely did he receive his recompense from God, 
No murmuring or repining at his sufferings was heard . 
but often rejoicing on account of the presence of God, 
which attended his ministry, and the love and peac** 
h he enjoyed in his own soul, 



CHAPTER XVIII. 



oumey from the South to Petersburg. — Attends the Con- 
ference in Lynchburg. — Is appointed to Cumberland. — At- 
tends the General Conference. — Much ceremony at a Camp- 
Meeting. — Continues his Journey to the North — *Tot pleased 
with some of the Method^t Churches, which had pews. — ■ 
Enjoys the company of his old friends. — Set his face towards 
the South. — Returns to Virginia. 

THE first day of the year 1808 found the subject 
of this memoir in Charleston. On the 4th of Janu- 
ary he set out for Virginia. The second day ? s jour- 
ney brought him to Georgetown, where he preached 
at night. The day after he rode forty miles to the 
widow Post's, in Pee Dee ; the day was wet, cold, 
and damp. On the 7th he reached brother Ford's, 
.on Little Pee Dee, drenched in a heavy shower of 
rain ; but, according to his own account, the kindness 
of the family more than compensated him for his 
fatigue. Cn the 9th he reached Fayetteville, and 
the next day, being Sabbath y he tarried and preached 
in the forenoon and at night. On Monday the 18th 
he reached his father's, and found him and his family 
in health. He spent several days in visiting his 
friends and relations. The same laws which made 
this a duty made it also pleasant. 

He left Petersburg on the 25th, and on Monday the 
1st of February he was in Lynchburg, ready for 
'•onference, which commenced the day following. 
Conference finished its business on the 8th, and the 



310 MEMOIR OF THE 

preachers dispersed. Some repaired immediately k* 
their circuits. Some, who had obtained locations ; 
hasted away to the cares and enjoyments of domestic 
life ; whilst others were pleased with the opportunity 
of once more visiting the paternal abode, and for a 
short season participate in the endearments of the 
society of their friends and relations. 

Mr. Lee was appointed to Cumberland circuit, 
Virginia. He returned to Petersburg, and visited 
his father again, on some necessary business. On 
Sunday the 25th, he acted as priest in his father '* 
house, and baptized a sister only a few months old. 
while his father at that time was more than seventy* 
seven years of age. It will be recollected that the 
old gentleman had been married three times, and that 
he had a child by the last wife. When the youngest 
was baptized the eldest was more than fifty-five years 
old. A great disparity in the ages of two daughters 
of the same parent. 

On Friday, the 25th of February, he took his 
circuit, at Anthony Webster's, and continued on his 
appointment until the 3d of April, at which time he 
found it expedient for him to attend the general con- 
ference in Baltimore. 

Some time previous to this he had contemplated 
publishing a History of the Methodists in America 
and had actually commenced the collecting and ar 
ranging the materials for the publication of the work 
Perhaps we shall have occasion to mention this sub 
feet again toward the close of this volume. 

It is scarcely necessary here to say any thing re- 
specting the general conference, only that it com 
menced on Friday, the 6th of May, and closed on 
Thursday, the 2P»th of the same month. 



K£V. JESSE LEE. 311 

Mr. Lee had had it in contemplation for some time, 
tQ make one more visit to the New-England star. 
to see the many friends in that part of the world, to 
whom he was greatly endeared, he believed would 
afford him a peculiar felicity. He might also have 
in view something relative to the publication of his 
work. Be this as it may, his journals inform us, 
that he left Baltimore on the 31st of May for New- 
England, and that he pursued his journey, preaching 
•jvery day, until he came to New-Jersey, and went 
to a camp-meeting in Penn's neck, which he was not 
able to reach until Sunday, the 5th of June. The 
order of this meeting, and particularly the concluding 
ceremony, deserves a notice. 

He was not able to get to this meeting until the 
day before it was brought to a close. We shall only 
notice what may be called the concluding scene ; and 
in order to this, we have recourse to his journal. 
After observing, that as many as seventy-two person* 
were baptized, after he had preached at 10 o'clock in 
the morning, he goes on to say :->«At this meeting 
there were some things new to me. One was the 
form of their trumpets ; they had seven trumpet* 
which they blew all at once, for preaching on the 
stand. In the morning they went all round in front 
oi the tents, blowing the seven trumpets as they went. 
Another thing, which was new to me, was their man- 
ner of taking leave of each other, which was as fol- 
lows : the men with their trumpets went foremost, 
rank and file, blowing as they went; and then the 
preachers followed after ; and then the men in gene- 
ra followed the preachers - they then made a cir- 
cular march, and when the preachers came round to 
the place from whence they started, they turned out 



312 MEMOIR OF THE 

of the ranks to the right-hand, and stopped and shook 
hands with all the men next to them till they all came 
round, and then the men who were marching in the 
circle, shifted sides, each with his companion, and 
went round again, and those who were on the opposite 
side from the preachers the first time, came next in 
turn to the preachers, and had an opportunity of shak- 
ing hands. Then the women marched around twice, 
in the same form, and all shook hands as the men had 
done before them. Most of them continued singing 
as they went. I was requested to march with them, 
and to stand and shake hands, but I excused myself ; 
for, indeed, I did not like so much ceremony and form.'" 

The disapprobation manifested by Mr. Lee at the 
pompous manner of this concluding scene, shows the 
correctness of his taste and of his views, respecting 
religious decorum, and gospel simplicity. Who, 
indeed, would approve of a practice which tended 
io convert the worship of a Christian assembly, pro- 
fessing plainness of speech and manners, into the gaudy 
appearance of military parade and pomp. We rejoice 
that such an unseemly practice was never generally 
introduced, and is now, we believe, universally con- 
demned. Neither are these strictures to be construed 
into any dislike in the writer to camp-meetings. — 
Though, like all other good things, they may be 
abused, their practical utility will ever secure for 
them the hearty co-operation of all who have expe- 
rienced a similar benefit from them, as that which the 
writer of these pages often has. 

Monday, 13. He rode to Mount Holly, and preachec}.. 
the next day at the New-Mills ; from thence to Allen- 
town, New-Brunswick, and Newark ; at all of which 
places he preached. 



KEY. JESSE LEE. 315' 

Saturday, 19th. He reached New-York, at which 
place he continued until Monday the 27th, and preached 
nine sermons. He then attended a camp-meeting, held 
at Cow-Harbour ; he was both pleased and profited 
by the meeting. From Cow-Harbour he embarked 
in a sloop, sailed over the sound, and landed in Nor- 
walk, state of Connecticut. He was much gratified 
in saluting in the name of the Lord Jesus, some of his 
friends of former days. Almost twenty years had 
passed away since he first, as a stranger, entered this 
part of the world. On his first appearance, few were 
prepossessed in his favour ; but his constancy and 
firmness conquered the prejudices of many. He 
encountered with floods of bigotry and persecution* 
but he was borne through them all, and lived to see 
" the crooked ways made straight, and the roTigh places 
made even," and living witnesses in abundance raiser} 
up, who could rejoice that ever they heard the gospel 
from the mouth of a Methodist minister. 

A few extracts from his journal, while they show the 
feelings excited in his mind by this visit, will also give 
the reader an idea of the state of Methodism in New- 
England at that time. 

" Saturday, July 2d. I rode to Stratfield, took din* 
ner, and exhorted a few of the neighbours, and prayed 
with them ; rode to Stratford, and stopped till a heavy 
rain was over, and then went on to New-Haven, and 
got there a little before 10 o'clock at night, and put 
up at old brother Jocelin's. 

" Sunday 3d. In New-Haven, at 10 o'clock, I 
preached on Zechariah ix. 12. We had a comfortable 
time together ; I preached also at 3 o'clock, and at 
night. I had great liberty in speaking, and the peo- 
ple were considerably affected under the word. — 
28 



314 MEMOIR OF THE 

Thank God for it We have a new meeting-house 
now, though not finished, where we can quietly wait 
upon the Lord, 

" Monday, 4th. Was independence da}'. I left New- 
Haven a little after sun-rise, and rode to Middletown, 
about twenty-five miles, and at night I preached in 
our unfinished house. The people appeared to feel 
the weight of the word spoken. I was gfed to be 
there. 

" Thursday, 7th. I rode to New-London, and at 
night I preached on Psa. xxx. 5. 1 had a large con- 
gregation to hear me, and it was a quickening time 
amongst the Christians, and while I was speaking, 
three women fell down on the floor, and lay helpless 
for some time. Many tears were shed under the 
word ; we were truly glad to meet together once more 
in this world. The people thought that our meeting- 
house would not hold the congregation, and therefore 
appointed meeting in the Baptist meeting-house ; but 
it was hardly large enough, for the house was greatly 
crowded, and my soul was happy there. I lodged at 
Richard Douglass'. 

" Friday, 8th. In our meeting-house in New-Lon- 
don, at 5 o'clock in the morning, I preached, and had 
a precious time amongst the friends, and the Lord was 
with us of a truth. Many were affected. Thank God 
for it. There was then a good revival of religion in 
the city, and many had been converted within a few 
months, and some were still mourning for redemption 
in the blood of Jesus. I then rode to Norwich, and 
preached at night. I had a good congregation to hear 
me, but I did not feel as lively as I generally do. It 
was dull weather, and more rain at hand, which natif- 
rally tends to make me dull and heavy. 



REV. J.ESSE *EE. 315 

" Saturday, Oth. I left the state of Connecticut, 
and got into Rhode Island, before night ; and about half 
after 9 o'clock, at night, I came safe to general Lip-, 
pet's, in Cranston, where I met with a hearty wel- 
come, and was pleased to be there once more. The 
next day being Sabbath, I preached at Lippet's meet- 
ing-house, in the morning, and administered the Lord's 
Supper; and in the afternoon I preached again. We 
had another precious time of the love and the pre- 
sence of God. 

"Tuesday, 12th. I rode to Providence, and put 
up at John Lippet's, and at night preached in the 
town-house. 1 believe some good was ctone at that 
time, and I hope the fruit thereof will be seen 
after many days. It has been many years since I 
preached in that town : but I felt something of the 
same union with the people, that I formerly felt.- — 
There is now a small society in Providence. The 
next day I rode early, and stopped a little in Bristol, 
and travelled on to Newport, and put up with Samuel 
Merwin, who is our stationed preacher in town. I was 
pleased at hearing that the Lord was prospering his 
work in that town, and that some souls were seeking 
the Lord. 

" Thursday, 14th. I went over to the fort to visit 
captain Loyal Beal, who commands the fort, and who 
is a steady Methodist. I returned, and just before 
dark the bell was rung for meeting. I went out to see, 
and hear it, for it w T as the first bell that I ever saw in a 
steeple lo a Methodist meeting-house. The Metho- 
dists and others have united to build a Methodist meet- 
ing-house, which is not finished, but is fit to preach in. 
They have a steeple to it, with a pretty large bell ; 
Jhe. house is fitted up with large square pews, so that a 



316 MEMOIR OP THE 

part of the people set with their faces, and others with 
their backs towards the preacher ; and these pews 
are sold to purchasers. Male and female sit together. 
Is not this a violation of Methodist rules ? At night I 
preached, and we had a good time. The next day I 
tarried in town, and visited many of my former ac- 
quaintances, and at night, in our new meeting-house I 
preached on John xvi. 22. The house was much* 
crowded, and the people were all attention, and many 
were bathed in tears. I warned them, and entreated 
them, as though I was never more to see them. I hope 
the blessing of the Lord will attend them. 

" Saturday, 18th. I preached in Portsmouth, in out 
meeting-house. I had a precious weeping time amongst 
my old friends. The word took hold upon their hearts, 
and they wept freely. I was truly thankful to God 
for the meeting, I spent the Sabbath in Bristol, ia 
which place there has been a revival of religion of 
late. They have built a good meeting-house, but not 
on the Methodist plan, for they have sold the seats, and 
men and women sit together. 

" Thursday 2 1 st. I rode to Boston, and put up with 
the stationed preacher, Daniel Webb, and at night, in 
the old meeting-house, I preached on 2 Cor. v. 18. 
I found a sweet sense of the love of God in my soul, 
and the people were quite attentive. The next day I 
tarried in town, and at night, in the new meeting-house, 
I preached on Rom. viii. 24. I did not feel as much 
freedom in this house as I did in the old. This new 
meeting-house is large and elegant, I think eighty-four 
by sixty-four. It has an altar round the pulpit, in a 
half circle, and the house is fixed with long pews, of a 
circular form, to be in uniform with the altar. The 
front of the gallery is of the same form. It looks very 



&FV. JESSE LEE, 317 

feandsome> and will contain an abundance of people, 
but is not on the Methodist plan, for the pews are sold 
to the highest bidder. 

" Saturday, 23d. I left Boston after dinner, and 
rode to Lynn, and put up at brother John Broadhead's. 
I was glad to be there. Several of my old friends came 
to see me in the evening, and I was very glad to see 
and converse with them. The day following being 
Sabbath, I preached, at 10 o'clock, on Isai. xxxiii. 
13. It was an affecting time. At 3 o'clock I preach- 
ed, and the house was much thronged. The Lord 
was with us. And also at 6 o'clock, my soul was 
much comforted in speaking to the people, and many 
wept under the word. When I put the brethren in 
mind of my first coming amongst them, and the difficul- 
ties that I, as well as they, had to go through, they 
could not forbear weeping. I could but hope that a 
blessing would follow that meeting. I have not been 
so well pleased for a long time, at meeting my old 
friends, as I was at this place. 

' ; Thursday, 29th. I rode to Portsmoth, in New- 
Hampshire state, and put up at Mr. Huchinson's, and 
at night preached in the old meeting-house belonging 
to the Universalists. I had a crowded house, owing 
to a previous notice being given that one of our preach- 
ers on that night would preach on a particular subject : 
however, he gave place to me, and I found a good 
degree of freedom in speaking, and was glad to be 
there. Two of our preachers were in town ; they 
have just began to preach in that place, and intend to 
continue it every Sabbath ; and withal, they contem- 
plate purchasing the old meeting-house, in which I 
preached, if they can. It has a bell and a steeple, 
and is fitted out with pews. The next day I crossed 
28* 



318 MEMOIR OF THE 

the river in the Province of Maine, and rode on 
through York to Kennebeck, and stayed all night at 
Barnard's tavern, 

"Wednesday, August 3d. At Haye's, in the 
north part of Gloucester, I preached, and I had a 
great many of my old acquaintances to hear me, and 
the congregation was so large that we were forced to 
go into the woods to hold our meeting. J was greatly 
pleased and comforted among my friends. Many in 
the neighbourhood have been converted in the course 
of a few months past. Bless the Lord for his goodness. 

" Sunday, 7th, In our meeting-house in Monmouth, 
at half after 10 o'clock, I preached on Heb. vii. 12. 
1 had a good degree of liberty in speaking to the peo- 
ple, and it was a melting time with many of the hear- 
ers, and the word reached their hearts. Joshua 
Soule exhorted a while, and concluded. At half after 
1,1 held forth again on James L. 12. We had another 
good meeting. The congregation was uncommonly 
large, and many were forced to stay out of doors for 
the want of room. It was said by many, that they never 
saw so great a collection of people before, except at 
conference. Just before night I attended a prayer- 
meeting at brother Fogg's, and after several persons 
had prayed, I prayed, and then spoke a little to the peo- 
ple, and told them I wished that all who would engage 
from that time to try and serve God, and meet me in 
heaven, would come and give me their hands, in toker 
of it ; many came and gave me their hands, and wept, 
and I could not refrain from weeping. Glory to God 
for that visit of love. 

" iWonday, 8th. I preached at a school-house in 
Winthrop, I had more people to hear me than could 
get in the house, and many of them wept heartily 



REV. JESSE LEE. 319 

under the word. There was great reason to hope 
that much good was done. Thank God, I have had 
much of the presence and love of God with me every 
day for some time. Many of my former friends, who 
have grown rather careless, flock out to hear me, and 
some of them say they will try again to be more 
engaged with God than what they have been hereto- 
fore. 

" Tuesday, 9th, I preached at . My text 

was, Deut. xxix. 29. The secret things belong unto 
the Lord our God, &c. I felt but little faith or satisfac- 
tion in the beginning of the discourse. The people 
have fixed pews all around the house, and all the rest 
have no seats, except a few loose boards on blocks. 
Whilst I was preaching, if a well dressed person came 
in, the people would jump up in their pews, and slam 
open their doors, and thump on their pews, and beckon 
with their hands to get the person into their pews. I 
was quite displeased with their pews, and with their 
conduct. Toward the close of the meeting I felt 
pretty well. I rode up to brother Thomas', and stayed 
all night. 

"Wednesday, 17th. I preached at a school-house 
in Linconville, to a good company, who were quite 
engaged in religion. The Lord is reviving his work 
in this town, and souls are returning home to God. I 
lodged at Mr. John Williamson's, What cold weather 
for the season ! the 17th of August, and frost sufficient 
to kill some tender vines. But in many places in the 
District of Maine, and in other parts of the country, 
it killed whole fields of corn, both the blades and the 
ear. Such an early frost has been seldom known. 

"Sunday, 21st. I rode up on the east side of 
Penobscot river, to Orington meeting-house, and 



320 MEMOIR OF THE 

half after 10 o'clock I preached on Matt. xxv. 10. 1 
had a large company of people to hear me, and I 
spoke with great freedom and faith .; and the hearers 
felt the power of the word. Then at half after 2 
o'clock, I preached to a crowded assembly. When I 
called upon them to remember former daj^s, when I 
first visited them about fifteen years before, which 
was the first time they had ever heard a Methodist 
preacher, many of them were bathed in tears ; for 
many of them , both parents and children, had been 
converted under the preaching of the Methodists. It 
was indeed a most solemn time, and my soul was much 
quickened and blessed. I could truly say, it was good 
to be there. In the afternoon I preached at Paul Nick- 
erson's. My text was Psa. cxlv. 20. I had a crowded 
house, and the spirit of the Lord God came upon me 
while I was speaking, and I wept, and the people 
wept greatly. It was the best meeting that we had 
had together in that place. When I dismissed the 
people, I told them that I was about to leave them, 
and had but little expectation of ever preaching in that 
place again. I told them I would be glad for all, who 
were determined to try and meet me in heaven, 
whether they were converted or not, to come and give 
me their hands. Many of them came and gave me 
their hands, and with streaming eyes begged my pray- 
ers, and wished my welfare. Several came who had 
never been converted, and crying aloud, said they 
would try to get to heaven if they could, I have no 
doubt but a lasting blessing will follow this meeting. 

" Monday, 22d. I turned my course back towards 
my native country, being then about one thousand 
miles from home. 1 crossed Penobscot river to Hamp- 
den ; and in the meeting-house at 3 o'clock, I preached 



REV. JESSE LEE. 321 

on John vii. 7. We had a good meeting, and were 
comforted together. I found some who feared God, in 
this place. Among whom are some who say that they* 
were awakened and brought to God, by means of my 
preaching in former years. I lodged at brother Joseph 
Baker's, a travelling minister. 

" Tuesday, 23d. I rode to the Twenty-five mile 
Pond, which is now a thickly settled country, most 
part of the way through ; but when I first travelled 
the road, about fifteen years ago, there was not a house 
to be seen for twenty miles. The country has been 
wonderfully improved of late years. I came to the 
Twenty-five mile Pond, in Unity, and preached at 4 
o'clock. I had a tolerably good time ; but they were 
not notified of my coming until some friends from a 
-distance, came into the neighbourhood. I lodged at 
John Chaise's that night. 

" Wednesday, 24th. I rode early, and went through 
Clinton, crossed Kennebeck river, and on to Fairfield 
meeting-house ; in all about twenty-six miles. I 
preached at 3 o'clock, and enjoyed a comfortable sea- 
son ; but felt weak and faint fFom long fasting, I 
lodged at Philps 5 that night. 

" Sunday, 28th. At our meeting-house in Farm- 
ington, I preached at half past 10 o'clock, on Isaiah 
xxxiii. 13. I had a precious meeting, and the con- 
gregation w T as yery large, insomuch that there was 
not room in the house to contain the people. It was 
a melting time indeed, and the people wept in every 
part of the house. Then we had the Lord's Supper, 
and a great many communicants, together with twelve 
preachers. The people were greatly affected at the 
table, and many of the spectators who tarried in the 
house wept freely. I was pleased and surprised to 



MEMOIR OF THE 

see such a crowd of people at the Lord's table. When 
I first came among them, about fifteen years ago, they 
had never seen a Methodist, and many of them were 
afraid that they were a dangerous set of men ; but at 
this time, (1808,) we have nine local preachers, and, 
I suppose, about one hundred persons to commune 
with us. Surely, the Lord hath done great things for 
us. At half past 1 o'clock I preached again on Psa. 
1, 23. The people were greatly wrought upon by the 
word. Allen H. Cobb exhorted, and concluded. I 
then had a sorrowful parting with many of my old 
friends, whom I never expected to see again. I then 
rode to James Couchran's, in Vienna, and stayed all 
night." 

The next day, he preached in Vienna, to an atten- 
tive congregation, from whom he parted with the most 
sincere regret. In this place he had preached in 
former days. The labours of him and of those who 
succeeded him, had been greatly owned of God. " The 
society was large and lively." 

From Vienna, he visited Strong, near Sandy river, 
a place which he had visited about eight years before . 
He then went on through Jay and Livermore, Read- 
field, Durham, Portland and Scarborough ; and then 
leaving the District of Maine, he entered the state of 
New-Hampshire, and taking Dover in his way, went 
to Mr. Church's, in the lower part of Barrington. He 
had been in the District of Maine forty-three days, 
during which time he had preached forty-seven ser- 
mons ; and, to use his own words, " had seen very 
few dry or barren meetings." " The visit," continues 
he, " was the most profitable and pleasing of any I 
had ever made in that part of the world." He also 
visited Poplin, Sandown, and Plastow, where he 



REV. JESSE LEE. 323 

finished his abours in New-Hampshire state, having 
been in it five days, and preached seven sermons. 

Wednesday, September 14th. He reached Lynn, 
in the state of Massachusetts ; here he preached for 
the last time in that place, and had a sorrowful parting 
with his old friends. 

Friday, 16th, found him in Boston, where he 
preached and visited, until the 19th, and then pro- 
ceeded on, through Waltham, Ware, and Wilbraham. 

Sunday, 25th. He crossed Connecticut river to 
Hartford, and preached in the old play-house, in the 
morning, and in the afternoon ; " but (says he) there 
is a very poor prospect of doing good in that place by 
our preachers." 

Friday, 30th. He left the state of Connecticut, 
having remained six days in that state, and preached 
eight sermons, and arrived the same day in Rhine- 
beck, state of New-York. 

Sunday, the 2d October, he preached at Rhine- 
beck flats in the morning, and in the afternoon, on the 
Rev. Freeborn Garrettson's plantation. He then 
shaped his course towards the city of New-York, 
passing through Poughkeepsie, down the high lands 
of Croton river, on by the White Plains, and on the 
7th reached the city, at which place he remained until 
the 11th. Here he was pleased to find that the Lord 
was at w r ork, and graciously visiting the people with 
the outpourings of his spirit. " I believe," says Mr. 
Lee, " 1 never knew so great a revival of religion in 
the city of New- York before, as what there was at 
that time. The work had been great for several 
months, and many souls had been converted to God, 
and joined our society, and the prospect was still 
pleasing." 



324 MEMOIR OF THE 

During the few days which he spent in that place, 
he had an opportunity of preaching to crowded audi- 
ences, and he had great reason to believe that his 
labour was made a blessing to those that heard. 

From New-York, he directed his course to Phila- 
delphia, preaching at several intermediate places, and 
from the last named place to Baltimore, and then on 
to Washington city, where he arrived w T hile Congress 
was in session, and had an opportunity of hearing 
the debates of that body for a few days. At lengthy 
after an absence of about eight months from his rela- 
tions, he returned to Petersburg on the 9th of Decem- 
ber. We will close this chapter with one more 
extract. 

" Saturday, 31st. I was again closely engaged in 
writing all day. My mind was kept in peace, and mj 
soul was longing after a greater conformity to the will 
of God. There I finished the day, the week, the month, 
and the year, all together, and bid farewell to the year 
1 803 for ever, 1 look back on the past year, and call 
to remembrance the trials I have passed through, and 
bless God, that my face has not been turned back to 
the world. I think over the blessings which the Lord 
has conferred upon me, and call upon my soul to bless 
the Lord, for his great goodness towards my poor soul 
the past year. If my life is spared, I intend by the 
grace of God, to push through all difficulties for the 
time to come, and try to get ready to go to heaven, 
when I die. Lord prepare me for thyself, and take 
me home to heaven, to dwell with thee, for ever ami 
ever. Amen!" 



CHAPTER XIX, 



Purchases a small farm. — Attends the Conference in Tarbo- 
rough.— Appointed to Amelia.— Offers, and is elected Chaplain 
to Congress. — Motives for wishing the office. — Issues a pros- 
pectus for the publication of the History of the Methodists. — 
Receives a fall and a wound.— 1810, his history comes out. — 
1811, attends conference in Petersburgh. — Appointed to the 
Meherrin District. — Re-elected Chaplain to Congress. — At- 
tends the Conference in Raleigh. — 1812, attends the Con- 
ference in Richmond. — Stationed in that city.— Elected Chap- 
lain. — 1813, appointed to Brunswick. — 1814, Cumberland, 

chosen Chaplain to the Senate. 1815, Fredricksburg. — 

1816, Annapolis, his last sickness, and death. — Conclusion. 

V?E have followed Mr. Lee with much pleasure in 
his last tour through the New-England states, and have, 
in some measure, participated in the pure joy he must 
have experienced in the society of his old friends, and 
particularly with his spiritual children, many of whom 
he found walking in the truth. From the blessed ef- 
fects attending his ministry during this long journey, 
we cannot doubt but that his steps were directed by the 
Lord. And we rejoice, more particularly, to find in 
him the same devotion to the cause of Christ, the same 
laborious servant to the Church, while he receives 
the same returns of gratitude, and of kind attentions 
from the people among whom he laboured. And 
though the jealousy of rivalship might have excited 
some narrow and selfish minds to attempt an eclipse of 
29 



326 MEMOIR OF THE 

his well-earned fame during his life, yet, now that he is 
dead, we cannot, and they cannot, withhold their admi- 
ration at beholding his undeviating constancy, and per- 
severing diligence in the cause of his Divine Master* 

*fc)n his return to his native land, probably thinking 
that he could not much longer continue his itinerating 
career, he thought it advisable to furnish himself with 
a place that he might call his o wn ; and accordingly, 
in the beginning of the year 1809, he purchased^ piece 
of land in the vicinity of his father's residence. How 
little could he have accumluated of this world's goods, 
when, after devoting about twenty-six years of his life 
to the service of the sanctuary, he was only able to pay 
two hundred dollars towards his small farm, with an en- 
gagement for two hundred and fifty dollars more at 
the end of four years. Freely he had received, and 
freely he had given. 

It afforded him a peculiar gratification to meet with 
many of his old friends and brethren in the ministry, at 
the Virginia conference, which commenced the first 
^of February, in Tarborough, N. C. At this confer- 
ence he received his appointment to Brunswick cir- 
cuit, Virginia, and delayed no time in getting to the 
place of his destination. 

Some notice has been already made of his writing a 
History of the Methodists in America. He had been 
engaged in collecting materials for this work, which 
was now nearly ready for the press. It was therefore 
necessary to go as far north as Baltimore, in order to 
superintend its publication ; and as Congress was about 
to meet in the city of Washington, on business of great 
emergency, Mr. Lee concluded that he would tender 
his services to that body, to serve them as chaplain. 
He arrived in Washington the, 20th of May, and on 
the 22d Congress met, and proceeded to the election 



REV. JESSE LEE. 327 

of their proper officers. Mr. Lee was present, and 
witnessed their proceedings, and took occasion to 
speak to some of the members of his acquaintance, 
and let them know that he was in nomination for the 
chaplain's place, in the House of Representatives* — 
On Saturday, 27th, the house proceeded to the elec- 
tion of a chaplain, and after two ballotings, Mr. Lee 
was declared to be duly elected, and on the Monday 
following, began to officiate in his new office. 

In entering upon the important duties of his station, 
to which he was called by the representatives of a 
free and independent people, it is but reasonable to 
suppose, that although he might feel gratified with his 
station, yet he was far from being dazzled with those 
marks of respect thus shown him. Respecting this ap- 
pointment, the following were his views. " I believe 
my intention was pure in offering for this place ; and 
I must do the best I can while I am in the office. I 
expect some good will be done directly or remotely. 
I wish to leave all to God. O Lord, thou knowest my 
heart, thou knowest I desire to please thee, but un» 
less thou wilt stand by me, I shall labour in vain." 

In regard to this appointment, it has been urged by 
some to the disadvantage of Jesse Lee's character, a^ 
being incompatible with his prior engagements as an 
itinerant Methodist preacher. But why ? If his sta- 
tion could be filled by a faithful substitute, does the 
being a Methodist itinerant preclude him from obey- 
ing the call of his country, to preach to, and pray for. 
the representatives of the nation ! Besides, had not 
the faithful labours, the long services, the high stand- 
ing, and the distinguished abilities of Mr. Lee, fairly 
purchased him privileges which many others had no 
right to claim ? But why make this apology for him ? 
Have not others of our own preachers served in the same 



328 MEMOIR OF THE 

capacity ? But we shall dismiss this subject by observ--. 
ing, that the necessity of any such apology for thi* 
act, instead of lessening the dignity of our beloved 
brother, only enhances his worth at the expense of 
those whose censures have made this slight vindication 
necessary. 

In June he made a trip to Baltimore, and issued a 
prospectus for his History of the Methodists, and sent 
out prospectuses to different parts of the continent. 
On returning from Baltimore to Washington, as he 
was descending a hill, about two miles south of Elk- 
ridge ferry, his horse unluckily fell at full length, and 
broke the shaft of his gig, and he was thrown head 
foremost from his seat, and in falling, his leg struck 
against a screw attached to the gig, making a most 
dangerous wound. Some person of his acquaintance 
happening to come up just after the accident had hap- 
pened, assisted him to a house, where the wound was 
dressed as well as circumstances would admit. But, 
notwithstanding the pain and inconvenience which he 
endured from the wound, he pursued his journey the 
same day, and rode to Bladensburg. In a day or two 
he began to experience serious inconvenience from 
his leg, and was confined several weeks to his room ; 
during which time he was attended by a physician. 

In the month of July he was able to return to Vir- 
ginia, and took his circuit once more, though not 
entirely recovered from the effects of his fall. 

In December he was re-elected chaplain to Con- 
gress ; and on the 30th of the same month the first 
sheet of his History of the Methodists was printed. 

In February, 1810, he attended the Virginia annual 
conference, in Petersburg, and received his appoint- 
ment to the Meherrin district. As soon as conference 
adjourned, he hastened on to Washington, Toward 



REV. JESSE LEE. 339 

the latter part of April, he finished the last proof sheet 
of his History of the Methodists. This business had 
employed his attention a little more than four months, 
and he was not a little gratified that it was now fast 
drawing to a close. His book contained three hun- 
dred and sixty-six pages. 

On Tuesday the first of May, Congress, after an 
unusually protracted session, adjourned to the first 
Monday in December. Mr. Lee was enabled, on that 
day, to distribute several of his books among the 
members of his acquaintance. From the press of 
business on his hands at this time, he could not possi- 
bly get to his district until the latter part of the month 
of May. He took his appointments at Roper's meet- 
ing-house, on the 27th ; but, contrary to his expecta- 
tions, found that all the preachers of the several cir- 
cuits in his district had held their quarterly meetings 
in his absence, with the exception of one. He then 
concluded that he would attend every place where he 
had appointed quarterly-meeting, and preach on the 
Sabbath ; thus compensating, in some sort, for the 
derangement of his plans in the first instance. 

He continued on his district, labouring with con- 
siderable success, until the latter part of the month of 
November. He then set out for the Federal City, 
where he arrived time enough to tender his services 
to Congress as their chaplain. He proved to be the 
successful applicant, and was again elected. 

In February, 1811, he attended the Virginia confe- 
rence, held in the city of Raleigh, North Carolina. 
Here some difficulties occurred relative to the book 
which he had published ; and dissatisfaction expressed 
by some on account of his being absent from his dis- 
trict for several months during the year. It is unde- 
29* 



330 MEMOIR OF THE 

niably true that Mr. Lee published a book, entitled 
" A Short History of the Methodists in the United 
States of America, beginning in 1766, and continued 
till 1809." But, however little this work might have 
been estimated by some of his brethren, I am inclined 
to think that posterity will thank him for his labour. 
It is true, the work may have its imperfections, and 
the scientific reader may not relish its style, and the 
arrangement of its matter ; and those who read merely 
to gratify their petulent disposition to find fault, will 
doubtless discover blemishes enough to satisfy their 
desire. But it might be asked, who has as yet pro- 
duced a better ? Mr. Lee endeavoured to furnish a 
plain people with a plain account of the rise and pro- 
gress of Methodism in America ; and if he has not 
been able to please the fastidious critic, he has unques- 
tionably accomplished a very important object, namely, 
the furnishing the friends of the cause with an undis- 
guised narration of interestingfacts respecting the histo- 
ry of the Methodists. Those who object to the apparent 
egotism in this history, should recollect that Jesse Lee 
had known the people whose history he writes from 
the beginning ; that he had travelled the most exten- 
sively of any of the preachers except Mr. Asbury and 
Mr. Whatcoat ; that he had kept the most minute ac- 
count of matters and things of any one else ; that he 
took an active and deep interest in most of the events 
and transactions which he records ; and finally, ,that the 
oreater proportion of his history was composed from 
materials of his own composing; these things consi- 
dered, it is not to be wondered at that he frequently 
speaks in the first person. On this account, so far as 
we confide in his integrity, of which we have no 
reason to doubt, his history assumes a character of 
authenticity which otherwise it could not possess. He 



REV. JESSE LEE. 331 

was an eye and ear witness of what he relates. And 
what stamps it with the most indubitable character of 
truth, it accords with the public record, (so far as this 
latter speaks,) of the annual conferences, the printed 
minutes of conference. 

Whoever may hereafter write the history of Metho- 
dism in America, will have to acknowledge his obliga- 
tions to Mr. Lee, for many interesting facts, which, but 
for his history, would, in all probability, have been bu- 
ried in oblivion. On this account, we cannot but rejoice 
that such a record, plain and artless, has been given 
to the public ; and we shall equally rejoice to see it 
superceded by a more diffusive, a more elegant, and 
a less exceptionable history of the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church. 

Respecting the censure which he incurred on 
account of serving as chaplain to Congress, it is scarcely 
necessary to say any thing more. In this transaction 
he acted, no doubt, conscientiously, and perhaps was 
as useful in that station as he might have been else- 
where. 

Mr. Lee possessed that buoyancy of mind, and con- 
sciousness of integrity which enabled him to bear up 
under any difficulty with peculiar fortitude. And he 
uniformly maintained an independence of soul, which 
procured for him the victory in almost every contest. 
He was a stranger to that gloominess and dejection, 
which have been the companions of even some good 
men ; and he had that perfect command of himself 
which never failed to place him in an elevated situa- 
tion, superior to the assaults of the weak or the male- 
volent. Sometimes when he, saw that his assailants 
were actuated by improper views, and were destitute 
of solid ground on which to stand, a humorous anec- 
dote served as a weapon of defence ; and it often 



332 MEMOIR OP THE 

proved successful in frustrating his antagonist. His 
extensive travels, and consequent acquaintance with 
mankind, furnished him with a fund of instructive 
anecdotes, which he never failed to use to the best 
advantage ; and, in self-defence, when a conscious- 
ness of innocence presided in his breast, he often 
found it a more successful weapon than the gravity 
of argument, or the labour of testimony would have 
been. Though to mortify an enemy as a. rival, was 
never his design, because he possessed too much deli- 
cacy of feeling to indulge in this work of humiliation, 
yet his keen satires were not unfrequently productive 
of this effect. We do not, however, recommend the 
frequent use of this dangerous weapon. It must be 
used as the barber does his razor, to shave off the 
excrescences of character, when their bushy appear- 
ance renders them disgustful. 

From the conference in Raleigh, he had to travel 
through intense cold weather, and bad roads, to Wash- 
ington, where he continued until Congress adjourned, 
the 4th of March. 

Having some business in Baltimore, he accordingly 
set out for that place, on the 5th> and arrived there 
the same day. Here he was much cheered with 
pleasing tidings from England, respecting the pros- 
perity of the work of God. Having adjusted his 
temporal business, he left Baltimore on the 11th, and 
set out for the south, passing through Bladensburg, 
Georgetown, Alexandria, Dumfries, Fredericksburg, 
Richmond, and so on to Petersburg, where he attend- 
ed to some temporal concerns which called his atten* 
tion, and then visited his father, and employed a day 
or two in making some improvements on his farm. 

During the remaining part of this year, his labours 
were principally confined to Amelia circuit, and the 



REV. JESSE LEE. 333 

Petersburg station. In 1312 he attended the con- 
ference in Richmond, and was stationed in that city. 
In May he attended the general conference at New- 
York, and returned to his station about the middle of 
June. While in Richmond, he endeavoured to attend 
to the interests of the church, by preaching, and by 
paying due attention to discipline. Not only did he 
enforce the doctrines of repentance, faith, and holi- 
ness, but he made it hi3 business to defend those lead- 
ing doctrines of the gospel, against the cavils of infi- 
dels, and fatalists. 

In December, he received the intelligence of his 
being once more elected as chaplain to Congress. 
This news came to him rather unexpectedly, inasmuch 
as he made no efforts whatever to obtain the office. 
He could not but feel indebted to his friends in Con- 
gress, for this mark of attention ; but at that juncture, 
he wished to give his services to the church, provided 
it had been left to his choice. He finally resolved to 
attend to the call, and forthwith repaired to Washing- 
ton without delay. 

In 1813 he was appointed to Brunswick, and was 
twice elected chaplain to Congress. In 1814 he was 
appointed to Cumberland and Manchester, and in De- 
cember of the same year, was chosen chaplain to the 
Senate. This year he made preparation to publish 
a couple of sermons ; the one, a funeral discourse, 
which he was called upon to preach in consequence 
of the death of Miss Hardy, of Bertie. The other, 
a practical discourse, from a favourite text, and well 
worthy the perusal of every Christian, who has a real 
desire to understand his duty to God, his neighbour, 
and himself. The former also has its merits ; but 
neither of them has ever had a very extensive circu» 
lation. 



334 MEMOIR OF THE 

In February, 1815, he attended the Virginia con- 
ference, at Lynchburg, (Va.) and was appointed te 
travel within the bounds of the Baltimore conference. 
No particular place was designated. It was intimated 
to him that this would be made known in due time. 
Perhaps the bishop concluded, that it would be better 
for Mr. Lee to have a station near the seat of govern- 
ment, inasmuch as he had been called to that place, 
to serve as chaplain several years in succession. It 
is quite reasonable to suppose that the bishop, who, 
we may presume, had the interests of Mr. Lee at heart, 
wished to accommodate him in that respect. 

A few weeks subsequent to the conference inLynch- 
burgh, Mr. Lee received a letter from one of the 
preachers in Baltimore, informing him that he was 
appointed to Fredricksburg. He refused to fulfil 
this appointment, being firmly persuaded that it was 
illegally made. Ft was the first time in his life 
in which he refused to fill the station assigned him. 
Although at first he thought himself justifiable in acting 
as he did, yet afterward, he regretted that he failed 
in this instance to conform to the established usage of 
his church. The writer is disposed to think, and he 
is not alone in the sentiment, that the superinten- 
dent gave him this appointment from a belief that 
it would suit his convenience. 

But. although Mr. Lee did not go to Fredricks- 
burg, yet he was not unemployed. During the 
year he travelled through that part of Virginia lying 
between the waters of James and Appomattox rivers, 
and Roanoak. He made a visit to Norfolk, in the 
spring ; then returned to the vicinity of Petersburg, 
and spent a few weeks amongst his relations, preach 
ing at frequent appointments, and in the summev 
and autumn was employed on Brunswick circuit. 






REV. JES9E LEE. 335 

Mr. Lee, who previous to this time, had gene- 
rally enjoyed a portion of health unusually good, 
began to find by experience that this state of things 
could not always last. His afflictions were now 
more frequent, and more severe than formerly. 
In looking into his journal for this year, 1815, we 
find the following remarks. 

" November 9th. This was a wet day. I did 
not go to meeting, but after dinner I rode to sister 
Jane Fisher's, and stayed all night, and was quite 
unwell. These afflictions of the Lord, are designed 
for my good, perhaps to give me notice that my 
departure is at hand. Lord, sanctify them to my 
spiritual welfare." 

In the latter part of November, and first of De- 
cember, his afflictions seemed to increase so much 
that he was confined to his room, and had re- 
course to medicine, but in the midst of these pre- 
sages of approaching dissolution, he was resigned ; 
being fully persuaded that " these light afflictions, 
which were but for a moment, should work for him 
a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." 

In January, 1816, he attended the Virginia con- 
ference, held in Raleigh, then returning to Virginia, 
he made arrangements for his journey to the north, 
having come to the determination to take his ap- 
pointment from the Baltimore conference. 

Whether he had a real presentiment that he should 
never return to Virginia again, I am not prepared 
to say ; yet, from the very particular pains he took 
to arrange his business before his departure, and 
to adjust all his temporal concerns in the best man- 
ner he possibly could, leave us grounds to believe 
that he had some impression upon his mind to that 
effect. 



336 MEMOIRS OF THE 

On the 27th of February he took leave of his 
friends in Petersburgh, and commenced his journey 
to the north, and on the 6th of March arrived in 
Georgetown, and on Friday the 8th, the Baltimore 
conference met, and did not adjourn until the 15th. 
Mr. Lee was appointed to the city of Annapolis, 
and entered upon his station the 27th. He com- 
menced his ministerial duties with a determination 
to do something for God whilst he remained in that 
place. 

It is worthy of remark, that about this time the 
Methodist church sustained, I might say an irrepa- 
ble loss, in the death of the Ilev. Francis Asbury. 
The whole Methodist church, from the Canadas to 
St. Mary's, were ready to pay him that tribute of 
respect which was due to his w r orth. The esti- 
mation in which Mr. Lee held the character of this 
good and great man, may be seen by the following 
biographical sketch, which he wrote, and published 
soon after he received the news of his death. 

" Departed this life, near Fredricksburg, in Vir- 
ginia, on Sunday, the 31st of March, the Rev. Francis 
Asbury, the oldest bishop of the Methodist Episco- 
pal church, in America ; in the 7 2d year of his 
age, and the 49th of his itinerant ministry. He 
was an Englishman by birth, and entered into the 
travelling connexion with the Methodists in 1767, 
and after travelling four years in England, he came 
to America, (then British provinces) in 177], and 
landed at Philadelphia, on the 27th of October. He 
was present at the first conference that was ever 
held by the Methodist preachers in America, which 
began in Philadelphia in July, 1773. He continued 
among us during the revolutionary war, and after 
travelling upwards of thirteen years in the United 



REV. JESSE LEV.. 337 

States, he was ordained a deacon, an elder, and a 
superintendent, at the conference at Baltimore, which 
began on the 25th of December, 1784, and ended 
in January, 1785. In February following he visited 
Charleston, South-Carolina, for the first time. In 
1787, he was the first time called Bishop, in the 
form of discipline. He acted as superintending bishop 
for thirty-one years and a few months. In which 
time he attended about two hundred and seventy con- 
ferences, and appointed all the preachers to the dif- 
ferent circuits. It is supposed that he ordained in 
all, three thousand ministers, including travelling and 
local preachers. He travelled through seventeen 
of the United States, and some of the territories. 
He was always of a slender constitution, and yet never 
spared himself, but ventured through the greatest 
difficulties and dangers, in order to preach to the peo- 
ple, and attend to the preachers. He was an ex- 
cellent preacher : and his gift in prayer was exceed- 
ingly great. He was deeply pious, remarkably fer- 
vent and constant in prayer. His peculiar talent 
was for governing the preachers, and taking care of 
the Church of Christ. He generally rose early in the 
morning, travelled many miles in a day, preached 
often, and slept but little. He was generally known 
throughout the United States ; much esteemed, and 
greatly beloved. His presence was generally courted, 
his advice requested, and his directions attended to. 
It pleased God to spare him for many years ; and at 
last to give him an easy, safe, and happy passage out 
of this world : and his numerous friends have no room 
to doubt but what their loss is bis infinite gain. He 
has not left behind him many, if any, to equal him in 
the church to which he belonged. \nd notwithstand- 

30 



338 MEMOIR OF THE 

ing his loss is, and will be greatly lamented, we have 
full confidence in the Lord that he will take care of, 
and provide for his church." 

Such was the tribute which the subject of this me- 
moir paid to bishop Asbury. Little did he think at the 
time he was penning this sketch, that within a few 
months some surviving friend would have to perform 
the same mournful task for him. But such is the 
feeble tenure by which we hold our lives, that we are 
treading in the same steps of those who have passed 
into eternity, and soon will have to realize the same 
change, and leave others to follow us, as we have fol- 
lowed those who have gone before. 

The writer of these pages, had an opportunity, for 
the last time^ of seeing Mr. Lee in the city of Baltimore, 
during the sitting of the general conference, in the 
month of May, 1816. One circumstance which 
occurred at that time, was well calculated to awaken 
the sympathies, and excite the sorrows of those who 
attended this conference. Mr. Asbury's remains were 
brought from the place of their first interment to the 
city of Baltimore, and were deposited in a vault pre- 
pared for the purpose, under the pulpit of the Eutaw 
church. 

The procession was formed in Light-street ; per- 
haps not less than one hundred and fifty ministers, 
travelling and local, followed as mourners. Mr. Lee, 
and the compiler of these pages, walked together. 
The scene was solemn and impressive. Mr. Lee's 
countenance bespoke the emotions of his mind ; a dig- 
nified sorrow, such as veterans feel, while following 
to the grave an old companion in arms, was evinced 
by his words and countenance. Thej' had suffered 
together, and had long fought in the same ranks ; the 



REV. JESSE LEE. 



339 



one had gained his crown, the other was soon to re- 
ceive it. 

From Baltimore, Mr. Lee returned to his station in 
Annapolis, in May, and recommenced his labours with 
zeal and assiduity. While not engaged in his public 
labours, he took a peculiar pleasure in visiting his 
friends in the city and its vicinity. The residences 
of Mr. H. Duvall, Mr. G. Wills, and E. Williams, 
situated some distance from town, were favourite 
retreats ; places to which he could at all times go as a 
friend, and where he was sure to meet with a hearty 
welcome. 

About the middle of July, he made another, and his 
last visit to Baltimore, and put up at the house of 
his particular friend, Zachary Myles. Here he ad- 
justed some temporal business, and returned to his 
station, where he continued, until he went to return 
no more. 

Hearing that a camp-meeting was to be held near 
Hillsborough, on the eastern shore of Maryland, he 
resolved to attend it. It commenced on the 21st of 
August. We do not know the precise day in which 
he set out to the camp-meeting ; his journal is 
brought down to the 15th of August ; on the evening 
of which he preached in Annapolis, to a large congre- 
gation, on 1 Cor. xv. 33. Be not deceived; evil coin- 
munications corrupt good manners. It was a solemn 
meeting ; and judging from every circumstance, we 
are inclined to believe that he spent the Sabbath also 
in Annapolis. Be this as it may, he attended the 
camp-meeting ; where, on Thursday 22d, he preached 
a profitable sermon, on 1 Pet. ii. 5. Ye also, as lively . 
stones 9 are built up a spiritual house, &c. 



340 



MEMOIR OF THE 



Saturday, 24th. At 3 o'clock he preached on 2 
Pet, iii. 18. But grow in grace. This was a favour- 
ite text with him, and it was his last ; the discourse 
which he delivered from it, ending his public labours. 
A large, attentive, serious, and much affected congre- 
gation will not soon forget the sermon, and the 
feelings on that memorable occasion. The same eve- 
ning he was taken with a chill that was succeeded by 
a fever, which continued to the close of his life. 

On Saturday the 25th, he was removed to Hillsbo- 
rough, to the house of brother Sellers, where every 
attention, by physicians and friends, was given ; but 
neither medical skill, nor the soothing hand of friend- 
ship could arrest the progress of his disease. 

Through the first part of his illness, his mind was 
much weighed down, so that he spoke but little. 
These were, no doubt, the last struggles with the 
grand adversary, and the sequel will show the tri- 
umphant manner in which he was put to flight ; for, 
on Tuesday night, September the 10th, he broke out 
in ecstacies of joy ; also, on Wednesday, 11th, about 
9 o'clock A. M. his soul was so overwhelmed with the 
love of God, that he was constrained to cry out glory ! 
glory ! glory ! hallelujah ! Jesus reigns. On the eve- 
ning of the same day he spoke nearly twenty minutes 
deliberately, and distinctly ; among other things, he 
directed one* present, who affection ately attended 
him in his illness, to write to his brother, and 
inform him that he died happy in the Lord ; and was 
fully satisfied with brother Sellers' conduct towards 
him. " Give my respects to bishop M'Kendree, (said he) 

* The Rev. Henry Boehm, to whom we are indebted for the parti- 
culars of his death. 



REV. JESSE LEE. 



341 



and tell him that I die in love with all the preachers j 
that I love him, and that he lives in my heart." Then 
he took leave of all present, six or seven in number, 
and requested them to pray. After this he spoke but 
little ; his work was done, and he was in waiting for 
the summons of his Master. 

Thursday, the 12th. In the early part of the day 
he lost his speech, but appeared still to retain his rea- 
son. Thus he continued to linger till the same eve- 
ning about half past 7 o'clock, when, without a sigh or 
groan he expired, with his eyes seemingly fixed on his 
great recompense of reward. Such was the end of 
this faithful servant of Christ. " O ! death, where is 
thy sting ? O ! grave, where is thy victory?" 

Thus ended the labours and sufferings of this man 
of God, aged fifty-eight years and six months ; and 
though he left no disconsolate widow, or fatherless 
orphan, to shed the tear of sorrow upon his bier, or 
strew his grave with flowers, yet he lives in the affec- 
tions of thousands "who knew him, and who were 
endeared to him by the strong ties of Christian love 
and brotherly affection. 



SO 



A SKETCH OF HIS CHARACTER. 



ACCORDING to the usual custom, we shall endea- 
vour to present the leading features of Mr. Lee's 
character. But we must premonish the reader not to 
fcxpect from us an elaborate display of virtues which 
did not exist, a record of deeds which were never 
performed, nor of mental and spiritual excellences to 
which he never attained. It is easy to sketch a cha- 
racter by seizing on some prominent feature, and, 
aided by an excursive imagination, fill up the outline 
according to our own ideas of greatness, of goodness, 
and of perfection ; but to represent a man as he in 
reality was, to exhibit those lights and shades which 
actually existed, and to draw every line with the 
pencil of truth, so as to leave no artificial colouring, 
either to gratify an enemy, or to please a partial 
friend ; this requires an intimacy of acquaintance, 
and a power of nice discrimination, as well as an im- 
partial regard to truth, to which we can hardly dare 
to lay claim. Reminding ourselves of our own lia- 
bility to err, and claiming the same indulgence which 
we wish to extend to others, we will attempt a sketch 
of the character of our departed brother, Jesse Lee. 

1. His experience of the grace of God. This wa9 
evidently deep and genuine. At the time he first 
made a profession of experimental religion, the num- 
ber of experienced Christians was small, and they 
were often made the subject of obloquy and reproach ; 
but in the midst of these temptations to continue a 



344 CHARACTER OP THE 

life of sinfulness, in the days of his youth, from a con- 
viction of the importance of religion, he turned his 
back upon the world, took up his cross, and dared to 
be singular for the sake of Christ. And he gave the 
fullest evidence of the genuineness of the work of 
grace upon his heart by the uniformity of his obe- 
dience, in the subsequent years of his active life, to 
the commands of God. He rested not his hope of 
eternal happiness upon the sandy foundation of a dry 
morality ; but he built upon Christ ; he experienced 
justification by faith in the merits of His death ; and 
persevered in the exercise of this faith and in good 
works, in all holy conversation and godliness, unto the 
end of his life. 

2. His call to, and* faithfulness in, the ministry.— 
We have already seen the caution with which he 
commenced in this important work. He evidently 
acted under the influence of that truth, that a man 
must be " inwardly moved by the Holy Ghost to take 
upon him this office :" and it was not until, in addition 
to his own impressions as to its being his duty, the 
frequent and pressing calls of his brethren urged him 
forward, that he could persuade himself to embark in, 
what appeared to him, so hazardous an undertaking. 
And that he commenced without any view to pecu- 
niary reward, or from any ambitious views of human 
applause, is fully evinced by the circumstances under 
which he began. When compelled, contrary to his 
inclination, and in opposition to the dictates of his 
conscience, to serve as a soldier, he boldly announced 
his religious views and principles, and preached 
Christ unto his fellow-soldiers ; and when money was 
offered as a compensation, he disinterestedly and re- 
solutely refused it, thinking. — such were the humble 
thoughts he entertained of his performance, — that if 



REV. JESSE LEE. 345 

they could have " patience to hear him, he could 
well afford to preach to them." 

Having " put his hand to the plough" he did not, 
as many have done, " look back ;" but steadfastly per- 
severed, often in the midst of sufferings and reproach, 
but as often amidst success, in the awakening and con- 
version of souls, to the end of his probationary exist- 
ence. Nor were his ministerial labours small. He 
travelled extensively. Perhaps no man on this con- 
tinent, except the superintendents of the Church, has 
travelled so extensively, and laboured so assiduously, 
especially in breaking up new ground, as it has been 
called, as the Rev. Jesse Lee. New-England will 
long remember his toils, his watchings for the souls 
of the people, and his active endeavours to advance 
their spiritual and everlasting interests. We find him, 
like a flying angel, taking his rapid flight, crying to 
all who came within the hearing of his voice, Repent, 
and believe in Christ, from New-York to Boston, to 
Rhode-Island, to the Province of Maine, to Vermont, 
to Canada ; filling up every intermediate place, which 
time and circumstances would allow him to reach and 
light upon, and in all scattering the good seed of the 
kingdom : and when his mission apparently ended 
in this part of the country, in which he had laboured 
hard and suffered much, he as readily m obedience to 
the call of Providence, turned his course southward, 
and stopped not until the extreme parts of Georgia, 
and even the Floridas witnessed the sound of his 
voice. And during the whole course of his minis- 
terial career, though, like all the other of the Me- 
thodist itinerants, he was subject to an annual re- 
moval by the superintending bishop, only once did he 
hesitate or refuse to take his allotted appointment ; 
and though he might have erred in this, charity, an<J 



34€ CHARACTER OF THE 

the known integrity of the man, both say, that it was 
an error of the judgment and not of the heart. We 
cannot but venerate the stern virtues of the man, 
who, braving all dangers, despising ease, wealth, lux- 
ury, and the temporary breeze of popular applause, 
should commence, and progress, and continue, even 
to the end of life, in the discharge of a ministerial 
duty which should drag with it so much toil, in- 
volve in it so high responsibilities, and make so little 
promise of worldly good. But he judged accurately. 
He had counted the cost. He looked higher than 
earthly good. He fixed his eye upon the future re- 
compense of reward ; and after this he steadily pur- 
sued until it was, through mighty grace, obtained. 
Let those who can make sport with such men's cha- 
racters, blush for their own frivolity, and own that 
their trifling shows how little they have learned to 
value true worth, and how unworthy they are to 
compete with ftira, as well as how much they would 
suffer by a comparison with him whom they affect 
to despise. 

3. His abilities as a preacher. Perhaps it will 
be somewhat difficult to make a just estimate of these, 
because men differ so much as to what constitutes 
ministerial abilities. If, however, the being well read 
in the sacred scriptures, the having a clear understand- 
ing of the grand system of redemp^fm by Christ, and 
of salvation through His blood, the being able to deli- 
ver oneself in language plain and energetic, the art 
of addressing oneself to the conscience so as to awaken 
the sinner from his sleep of death ; if so to exhibit 
Christ in all his offices, as Priest, King, and Prophet, so 
to magnify the merits of His atoning blood, as to induce 
the trembling penitent to lay hold on Him for life and 
salvation j if a capacity to explain and enforce all the 



rev. Jesse lee. 347 

great doctrines of the gospel, and particularly the 
doctrine of holiness of heart and life ; if an ability to 
defend the peculiar doctrines of Christ against liber- 
tines and infidels, as well as against " heated Antinomi- 
ans," and cavelling controversialists ; if an ability to do 
all this may be taken as a sound criterion by which we 
may decide on the abilities of a preacher of the gospel, 
then we may pronounce Jesse Lee to have been a 
great preacher, and, what is incomparably better, 
and has a much pleasanter sound, a good preacher ; 
for this he did, and that for a length of time of which 
few can boast, very successfully. 

But if it be necessary to constitute a man of great 
abilities, to be profoundly learned, he has no claim to 
that distinction. He, it is true, cultivated an acquaint- 
ance with his vernacular language, had a taste for 
reading, and, according to the opportunity afforded 
him amidst his extensive travels and numerous labours* 
he improved himself by the study of theological, and 
other books ; but he never made any pretensions to 
human learning, neither do his friends think it neces- 
sary to put in this claim for him, in order to rescue his 
name from oblivion, or his character from reproach. 
He, however, was deeply read in the school of Christ, 
being inwardly taught by the Holy Ghost, was soundly 
experienced in divine things, and had acquired, from 
his various travels and continual intercourse with all 
sorts of people, an extensive acquaintance with human 
nature, in all its varied hues ; this gave him that per- 
fect command over himself and over others, especially 
an audience and an antagonist, which generally secured 
to him respect and attention. Those who fre- 
quented the house of God with a view to profit by the 
word, were seldom disappointed when Jesse Lee occu- 
pied that " holy place," the pulpit : and those who 



343 CHARACTER OF THE 

went from other motives, sometimes repented of their 
temerity, and came again to atone for their fault, by 
confessing their sins, and supplicating for mercy in the 
name of Jesus. These are the evidences of his abili- 
ties as a preacher of righteousness. 

Neither do we claim for him those rare talents of 
elocution which are supposed requisite to constitute 
the orator. His eloquence was the simple eloquence 
of truth, warmly addressed to the heart, unadorned 
with any other flowers, than such as he had gathered 
from the garden of the Lord, the holy scriptures ; for 
he seldom quoted from any book except the book of 
God. And it maybe said to his praise, that he never 
disgusted the good taste of his hearers by assuming the 
airs of some popular speakers, in order to gain applause ; 
nor of copying the defects of others under an erroneous 
idea that they were excellencies which might enhance 
his own worth. To this worse than worthless traffic, 
his lofty soul never stooped. He doubtless acted under 
the impression that truth shines by its own light, and 
that it presses upon the conscience by its own weight ; 
and therefore, it only needed to be presented plainly 
to the understanding in order to be either cordially 
received, or wilfully and criminally rejected. 

4. His love to the sovls of men. This evinced itself 
on all occasions. The personal sacrifices which he 
made to save them, and the vehemence with which he 
urged upon them the tremendous truths of God, suffi- 
ciently prove his thirst for their salvation, without 
adding one word more on this head. 

5. His plainness of dress and manners, give him a 
rank among the primitive Christians, and evangelists. 
He abhorred all worldly pomp and parade, much more, 
religious pomp, esteeming it as the relic of an apos- 
tate church. In this, some have thought he carried 



REV. JESSE L£K. 

his aversion to an inexcusable extreme. But, doubt- 
less, if we must err, this is the safest side of the " golden 
mean." His extreme aversion to the " priestly robe" 
made him s . zealously oppose its introduction among 
the Methodist clergy, at the time of the organization 
of the church. How far this may have been justi- 
fiable, we leave others to judge, who have searched 
the records of ancient times, and have considered the 
garments by which the ministry was distinguished. It 
is certain, however, that the pride of dress is one of 
the reprehensible things which the holy scriptures 
condemn. 

6. His ambition. It may seem strange to some that 
this should be enumerated. Though we think it per- 
fectly commendable to be ambitious to obtain and to do 
good, or, in other words, " earnestly to covet the best 
gifts," yet we have introduced the notice of this here, 
principally for the purpose of repelling, what we con- 
sider, an unfounded accusation which some have pre- 
ferred against Mr. Lee. In the course of the pre- 
ceding memoir, we have noticed his having been a 
candidate for the office of a bishop, and the nearness 
of his election. We are willing to grant that he was 
disappointed, — that he did expect the office. And had 
he not a right to expect it f Had not Mr. Asbury more 
than once signified his intention to bring him forward ? 
Had he not formally recognized him as either his suc- 
cessor or coadjutor, by using him as his substitute in 
attending the annual conferences, and stationing the 
preachers ? And would Mr. Asbury thus have pre- 
sented him to the notice of preachers and people, 
had he not believed Mr. Lee a suitable person to fill 
that highly responsible office ? 

31 



3£0 CHARACTER OP THE 

But, say some, he was desirous of being a bishopv 
and therefore indulged in a criminal ambition. Allow- 
ing that he was desirous, does this criminate him ? 
By no means. Does not the apostle Paul say, " He 
that desires the office of a bishop, desires a good 
thing ?" And is it criminal to desire a good thing ? 
Allowing, therefore, that elder Lee was desirous of 
being a bishop in the Methodist Episcopal Church, it 
by no means follows as a necessary consequence, that 
he indulged in any reprehensible ambition. 

Besides, the objection takes for granted, the very 
thing to be proved, namely, that elder Lee ever did 
desire the office of a bishop, abstractedly considered. 
That he might have desired it in subserviency to the 
wishes of many of his brethren, who had expressed 
their wishes to him, and to the calls of the church, 
which now demanded an additional officer under that 
title, and also with a view to more extensive useful- 
ness, may be granted without any impeachment of the 
integrity r the honesty, or even the meekness and 
humility of our deceased brother. Every good man, 
and especially every good minister, desires every gift, 
and every qualification, and every station, in which 
he may do the most good to the souls of men ; and 
such is the wide field of labour expanding before a 
Methodist bishop, that it presents a vast opening for 
extensive and permanent usefulness to the church, 
and to the world ; and a man duly qualified for this 
station, may, we believe, desire it on the same princi- 
ple r and from the same motives, that he may desire to 
preach the gospel at all. 

Look for a moment, at the labours, the privations, 
the sufferings, and the poverty, as well as the many 



REV. JESSE LEE. 351 

perplexing difficulties, fully known only to those who 
have an experience of them, which are connected 
with this high station, and then judge, if a man must 
not be the merest novice among men, to desire the 
office from any other motive than to comply with the 
imperious calls of divine Providence. Jesse Lee was 
ambitious to do good. And if any used an improper 
influence to prevent him from doing all he might 
otherwise have done, let the stone fall at his feet, and 
not be lodged in the forehead of him whom the peo- 
ple, and whom God delighted to honour. 

7. That he enjoyed much of the consolations of the 
Spirit^ is evident from the numerous instances in which 
he records the happiness he possessed in communion 
with God, and the times of refreshing which accom- 
panied his ministry. And the influence of the divine 
Spirit he considered not only as essential to constitute 
the real Christian, but also to enable the minister of 
Jesus Christ to understand and " rightly to divide the 
word of truth." Through this influence he was 
inwardly supported, and comforted, during his toils 
and sufferings, in the cause of Christ. This also 
enkindled that ardent zeal which burned so steadily 
and uniformly, and which sometimes burst forth in 
flames of divine love, in shouts of praise to God, and 
on all occasions, evinced itself in his efforts to do good 
to the souls of men. 

8. He was a great lover of the doctrines and the dis- 
cipline of the church of which he was a member. In 
days of dissention and division, when the church has 
been torn by factious spirits, he stood " as an iron 
pillar strong," turning the whole weight of his influ- 
ence to preserve the " unity of the Spirit in the 
i»onds of peace," In forming his plans, he used cau- 



352 CHARACTER OF THE 

tion and deliberation, but was prompt to execute them. 
Neither could small matters turn him aside irom his 
purpose, when his judgment was finally made up. If, 
in the opinion of some, he manifested too much tena- 
city in adhering to his peculiar sentiments, we may 
safely attribute it to a conscientious regard to what he 
considered right and important, and not to that con- 
tracted spirit which defends a purpose, a plan, or a 
proposition, merely because he was its author. He 
knew how to estimate the judgment of others too well, 
not to yield in peace, when the majority decided against 
him. The early attachment which he had formed for 
the peculiarities of Methodism, and his firm conviction, 
that they were subservient to the advancement of the 
eternal interests of men, made him adhere to them 
w r ith that firmness and resolution, which sometimes 
exposed him to the suspicions of bigotry ; and, per- 
haps in some instances, when he found himself obli- 
ged to differ from others in matters of opinion and 
judgment, he did not evince that modesty which a just 
regard to our fallibility inspires, nor that yieldingness 
of spirit which is needful to prevent unnecessary alter- 
cation. But these may be ranked among those infir- 
mities of our natures, which originate from ignorance, 
(for who so wise as to comprehend every subject 
clearly ?) and from those biases which grow out of 
our peculiar circumstances of life, and habits of think- 
ing. That Jesse Lee was subject to such like infir- 
mities, and that he would have evinced fewer of them, 
had his mind been more exclusively devoted to science, 
we are willing to admit ; and it is admitted without 
any impeachment of his motives, the purity and inte- 
grity of his conduct, or of his inflexible regard to jus- 
tice and mercv. 



REV. JESSE LEE. 353 

In his last will and testament, he bequeathed a legacy 
to the three oldest travelling preachers of the Vir- 
ginia conference, and likewise left a donation to the 
Charter Fund, whose annual revenue is appropriated 
to the support of the travelling preachers, their widows 
and orphans. Thus evincing in his last moments, his 
unalterable attachment to the cause, for the support 
of which he had devoted his w r hole life. But he left 
neither widow nor child to weep over his tomb, having 
never been married ; and it seems he never thought 
of changing his state of celibacy until within a few 
years of his death, and «ven this thought was relin- 
quished soon after it was formed, as he could not suc- 
ceed according to his wishes in the person of his 
choice. In this, as in all the other events of his life, 
he bowed with that submission to an inscrutable Pro- 
vidence which became the christian and the christian 
minister. 

Mr. Lee's countenance generally indicated a calm 
and peaceful mind, and was expressive of much 
shrewdness of observation. And that he sometimes 
indulged himself in sallies of innocent witticisms, and 
could point the weapon of irony so as to render the 
absurd ridiculous, is granted. How for these danger- 
ous weapons may be indulged without injury to our- 
selves and to others, is one of those nice points which 
the casuist may find it somewhat difficult to determine. 
If time is devoted to this which ought to be employed 
upon graver subjects; if its indulgence at any time 
unfits the mind for the solemn exercise of devo- 
tion ; if it is suffered to obtrude itself into the awful 
solemnities of announcing the counsels of infinite wis- 
dom and goodness, to " court a smile," instead of 
c " wooing a soul ;" it is undoubtedly reprehensible^ 
51 * 



354 CHARACTER 0F 5 &C. 

and ought to be chastised with a just severity. Per- 
haps had he, whose character we are contemplating, 
laid a more strict embargo upon a disposition natu- 
rally facetious, he might have saved himself from some 
just censure, and his friends, *who sometimes felt 
the strokes of his wit, from the flush of mortifica- 
tion. But after subtracting somewhat of our reve- 
rence for his character, on account of those infirmities 
which marked the features of a fallible being, we shall 
be pleased and edified by beholding in our departed 
brother, an assemblage of those virtues and christian 
graces, which are the offspring of a heart renewed in 
the image of God, and which adorn the soul of that 
minister of Christ, who unreservedly devotes himself 
to the services of the sanctuary. 

In the latter part of his life, he was quite corpu- 
lent, commonly weighing about two hundred and fifty 
pounds. This, as has been well observed, was not the 
effect of intemperance, nor of inactivity ; for he was 
both temperate in his mode of living, and very active 
and diligent in his business, as the preceding me- 
moir abundantly shows. In his peregrinations through 
the country, he always rode on horse-back, until the 
latter period of his life, when by age, and its atten- 
dent infirmities, it became convenient and needful for 
him to accommodate himself with a carriage. 

It is unnecessary to say more. He rests — after 
spending thirty-six years in the faithful performance 
of the duties of an itinerating minister in the Methodist 
church — he rests from his labours, while thousands, 
converted through his ministry, remember him with 
gratitude. 



APPENDIX. 



IN the course of Mr. Lee's ministry, he preached 
between eight and nine thousand sermons, and deliver- 
ed nearly six hundred public exhortations. 

With the greatest accuracy he noted down all the 
texts on which he ever preached, with the time when, 
and the place where, he delivered each discourse. In 
the early part of his ministry, he frequently set down 
the outlines of the discourse, or manner in which he 
divided hi3 text, but this he discontinued after the 
year 1786, a circumstance much to be regretted, as 
it would certainly have given greater interest to his 
journals, than barely the transcribing the text alone. 

His manner of preaching, as has already been ob- 
served, was plain and artless, but generally full of 
energy, and always perspicuous and pointed. Like 
the most, and perhaps all, of the Methodist preachers, 
he never either read or memorized his sermons, sel- 
dom commiting any thing more of them to paper, 
than merely the leading ideas, or general proposi- 
tions. He thought, and very justly thought, that the 
method of reading sermons, or of delivering them from 
memory, had a tendency to dampen the ardour of de- 
votion, and to prevent the speaker from availing him- 
self of those thoughts, which suddenly arise in his 
mind, and which often produce the greatest and most 
beneficial effect in the hearer's mind. He, therefore, 
after previously digesting the outlines of a sermon, 



356 APPENDIX, 

entered the pulpit in the name of the Lord, confi- 
ding in the aids of the Holy Spirit to assist his powers 
of invention as well as delivery, and he was seldom dis- 
appointed in either. 

We take the liberty of presenting the reader with a 
small collection of the texts of sacred scripture, and 
of his manner of treating them, as we find them re- 
corded in his journal. Those who have often heard 
him preach in the name of Jesus, will doubtless recog- 
nise his manner in this specimen, and others may be 
edified by thus seeing the weapons (and the manner 
of using' them) with which Mr. Lee defended the 
sacred cause of Christianity. These, however, are not 
presented as the most perfect models of sermonizing, 
but merely to show his method of dividing the word of 
God, in order to instruct mankind in the all-important 
truths of the Gospel of Christ 

JOHN V. 40. 
*■' And ye will not come to me, that ye might have 
life." 

I. Show how man has gone from God. 

II. The necessity of coming to Christ. 

III. The reasons why he will not come. 

IV. The manner in which he is to come* 

V. Invite all to come to Christ. 

HEBREWS VI. 1. 
" Therefore, leaving the principles of the doctrine 
of Christ, let us go on to perfection." 

I. Speak of the principles of the doctrines of Christ, 
and show what they are. 

II. How we are to leave them. 

III. The perfection attainable in this life, and how 
we are to go on unto it. 



APPENDIX. 357 

AMOS V. 6. 
Si Seek ye the Lord, and ye shall live." 

I. Show the necessity of seeking the Lord. 

II. How we are to seek him. 

III. The effect.— Ye shall live. 

EZEKIEL XXXIII. 11. 
" Say unto them, as I live saith the Lord God, I have 
no pleasure in the death of the wicked." &c. 

I. God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked. 

II. His pleasure is that they should turn and live. 

III. The exhortation, turn ye. 

IV. The argument, or expostulation ; why will ye 
die, O house of Israel. 

LUKE XV. 2. 

" This man receiveth sinners." 

I. Show what right this man has to receive sinners. 

II. Upon what conditions this man receiyeth sinners. 

III. Invite sinners to come to Christ. 

AMOS IV. 12. 
11 Prepare to meet thy God, O Israel." 

I. Show what is implied by being prepared to meet 
God. 1. Repentance toward God. 2. Faith in our 
Lord Jesus Christ. 3. Holiness, without which no 
man shall see the Lord in peace. 

II. Exhort the people to prepare to meet God. 

III. The consequence of being prepared. 

EPHESIANS V. 8. 

14 For ye were sometime* darkness, but now are ye 
light in the Lord ; walk as children of light." 

I. Show how we are by nature in darkness. 1. 
The darkness of sin. 2. The darkness of ignorance 
3. The darkness of unbelief, 



ar< 



358 appItoix. 

II. How we must become light in the Lord. 

III. How we are to walk as children of the light. 

MARK XIII. 33. 
' V Watch and pray/' 

I. Show how we are to watch, and what we are to 
watch against. 1. The world, the honours, the pro- 
fits, and the people of the world, and thfe love of the 
world. 2. The flesh, the lust of the flesh ; namely, 
in eating, drinking, sleeping, uncleanness ; of dress, 
behaviour, of action, 3. The lust of the eye. 4. 
The pride of life. 5. The devil. 

II. What we are to watch over, thoughts, words, 
and actions. 

III. For what we are to watch, for all opportunities 
of doing good to ourselves or others, temporally, or 
spiritually ; we must watch for death and judgment. 

IV. How we are to pray. 1. The manner how we 
e to pray. 2. Where we are to pray. 3. When 

we should pray. 4. For what we are to pray, &c. 

COLOSSIANS III. 1. 

" If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things 
which are above." 

I. Show what is implied in being risen with Christ 

II. What things we are to seek. 1. Grace. 2. 
Glory ; the glory of God below, and the glory of 
heaven above. 

2 PETER III. 18. 

" But grow in grace/' 

I. Speak of the different degrees of grace. 

II. Show the hindrances to a growth in grace. 

III. The helps to a growth in grace. 

IV. Lay down some marks by which we may know 
whether we grow in grace or not. 



APPENDIX. 35£ 

PSALM LXXXIX. 15. 

" Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound : 
they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of thy counte- 
nance." 

I. Show what is implied by the joyful sound. 

II. Who are they that know the joyful sound. 

III. The blessed consequences which will result, 
they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of thy counte- 
nance. 

1 THESSALONIANS V, 19. 

" Quench not the Spirit." 

I. Show the different ways in which the Spirit of 
God operates. 

II. How it may be quenched. 

III. Enforce the exhortation, Quench not the Spirit. 

MATTHEW XI. 28. 

" Come unto* me all ye that labour and are heavy 
laden, and I will give you rest." 

I. Describe those that labour and are heavy laden. 

If. Show how they are to come to the Lord. 

III. The rest which is promised. 1. In this world. 
2. In the world to come. 

MATTHEW VI. 33. 
" But first seek the kingdom of God, and his righte- 
ousness ; and all these things shall be added unto you." 

I. Show what we are to understand by the king- 
dom of God, and his righteousness. 

II. How we are to seek it. 

III. Why we should seek it first. 

IV. Explain the promise by showing what thing? 
shall be added unto you. 



360 APPENDIX. 

TITUS II. 14. 
i: Who gave himself for us that he might redeem us 
from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar 
people, zealous of good works." 

I. Show who it was that gave himself for us ; Christ 
the Son of God. 

II. What he gave himself for, for us % 

III. The manner in which the gift was bestowed ; 
in the manner best calculated to propitiate the Father's 
wrath ; to excite our humility and gratitude — he died 
for us. 

IV. The end which he had in view in thus giving 
himself for us, that he might redeem us from all ini- 
quity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, 
zealous of good works. 

GALATIANS V. 1. 
" Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith 
Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again 
with the yoke of bondage." 

I. Show the bondage which man is under by nature. 

II. How he may be made free. 

III. What this liberty is. 

IV. How we are to stand fast in this liberty, and not 
be entangled again in the yoke of bondage. 

It would be an easy matter to give many others, but 



these may suffice 



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